ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WLIO) — Many parents are familiar with the nightly battle of getting their children to brush their teeth. But medical experts say good oral hygiene can be beneficial to a child’s overall health.
A recent poll found that only three in five parents of children between the ages of 4 and 17 say their child brushes their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Even fewer report that their child participates in other oral health practices, such as flossing, cleaning their tongue or rinsing their mouth after consuming sugary foods or drinks.
Sarah Clark, co-director of the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll, says poor oral health can negatively impact a child’s overall well-being and development.
“When kids experience poor oral health—things like tooth decay and gum disease—it affects their ability to eat, speak clearly and even their self-esteem,” Clark said. “They may become self-conscious about how they look and talk, and that can be unhealthy in many ways. That’s why it’s really important for parents to help kids establish good oral hygiene practices early on.”
More than one-third of parents reported that their child has experienced dental issues related to poor oral hygiene in the past two years, including cavities, tooth decay, stained teeth and gum problems.
While mornings and bedtime routines can be hectic, Clark suggests three key steps parents should focus on to improve their child’s oral health:
- Ensure kids brush their teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes.
- Encourage attention to other oral hygiene practices, such as flossing and removing sugars left on the tongue and between teeth, to prevent infections or decay.
- Schedule regular dental visits at least once a year to identify and treat potential problems early.
Clark also emphasized that parents can support their child’s oral hygiene by setting a good example and prioritizing their own dental care.
