Children’s Oral Health and the COVID-19 Response 

The COVID-19 virus that threatened countries worldwide has numerous lasting effects—ranging from the loss of smell or taste, hair loss, palpitations, and scarring of the lungs. It has become akin to nightmares to kids and adults alike, and no one wishes to experience it. But did you know that, along with those frightening lasting effects, COVID-19 may affect your children’s oral health too? But don’t worry, good oral hygiene can keep the virus away, as well.

The possible impact of COVID-19 on oral health

Most of the impact that COVID-19 brings on oral health comes with the virus’s symptoms, not from the disease itself. Studies have shown that oral lesions, dental anomalies, viral infections, and oral manifestations have been seen as a result of COVID-19. Furthermore, a different study concludes that 20% of patients with COVID-19 have increased bacteria in their oral cavities.

In addition to the disease’s symptoms, people, especially parents, are afraid of going to the hospital or dental clinics for fear of getting infected with COVID-19. Due to this, illnesses are likely to be ignored or undiagnosed during the crisis.

The continuing effect of COVID-19 on dental services

We might be used to our biannual appointment with the dentist, but it sure changed this year. Your child might be happy (or not) by the lack of dental appointments, but the effects of the COVID-19 crisis include the oral health sector, even if it’s not immediately recognizable.

The pandemic’s economic consequence has not only affected restaurants and clothing shops but also dental services. Due to severe care restrictions recommended and enforced, dental services have experienced partial closures and a strict per-appointment basis—mostly having a selected number of patients per day. People willing to go to the dentists will most certainly encounter a limited crew with minimal possibility of opening.

Studies have shown that an increasing number of late dental complications and dental emergencies remain untreated with dental services closed. All of this contributes to a rise in home remedies and ignoring the pain until it goes away.

Fortunately, many child specialist dentist clinics have reopened, offering routine appointments that prioritize high-risk adults and children. Just make sure to book your appointment ahead and take note of the clinic’s guidelines that you need to follow before, during, and at the end of your appointment.

The importance of oral health to both you and your children

Teaching your children good oral hygiene is essential for both their teeth and gums, but with the pandemic looming over our heads, it has added benefit. An excellent oral routine is vital to stave away from bacteria and viruses building up in our mouths.

The best way to promote good oral hygiene to your children is to be a good role model they can look up to. You must show them that the proper way of brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash will keep your mouth free from. Take note to clean between the teeth to fully clean your mouth for you to keep those pesky bacteria away from the nook and crannies of your teeth.

Remember to not only keep your teeth clean but both your toothbrush and floss, too. It would be best if you changed both your and your child’s toothbrush every three to four months as microorganisms in your mouth can easily contaminate them.

Final thoughts

Last but not least is to keep your immune system healthy. Brushing your teeth is just one step in keeping the COVID-19 virus at bay. Optimize you and your child’s immune system by eating a well-balanced diet filled with yummy vitamins along with regular physical activity (as long as you’re following social distancing). Don’t let your children stay up too late or eat junk food!

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for your child. With this ongoing pandemic, it’s more important than ever to keep alert and stay sharp and enforce good eating habits and proper oral hygiene for you and your child. Taking a little time to practice and teach your child about good dental habits is one massive step to being healthy. Stay safe, and stay healthy!