Kids are constantly around computers these days because of technology. Although technology can be fun and useful, kids should not spend too much time in front of a screen because it can hurt their oral health. Make an appointment with a family dentist in Southfield, MI, to make sure your child’s teeth are healthy.
Sedentary lifestyle and reduced saliva production.
One of the main ways that screen time hurts oral health is by making people less active. There is a lower chance that kids will be active when they are busy with digital gadgets. This drop in physical movement can make it harder for the mouth to make saliva.
Saliva is very important for keeping your mouth healthy because it cleans away food bits, neutralizes acids, and makes tooth enamel stronger. Bacteria can grow better in places where saliva flow is low, which raises the chance of cavities and gum disease.
Increased snacking and sugary treats.
Also, spending more time in front of a screen often leads to eating more snacks. While playing games or watching videos, kids may eat and drink things that are high in sugar and acid without thinking about it.
These foods and drinks are a feast for bugs that cause cavities. When sugary treats stick to your teeth, they make a good place for bacteria to grow and make acids that wear away tooth enamel and cause cavities.
Another thing that can weaken tooth enamel is acidic drinks like fruit juices and pop. This makes teeth more likely to get cavities.
Poor posture and jaw development.
Bad posture can also be caused by using screens for long periods of time. Kids may put stress on their neck and mouth muscles when they hunch over gadgets. This stress can stop their jaws and bite from developing properly, which could lead to misaligned jaws and other teeth problems.
Disrupted oral hygiene routines.
Besides the direct effects, too much time in front of a screen can also make it harder to keep your teeth clean. Kids who spend a lot of time in front of computers might forget to floss and brush their teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that kids should spend no more than a certain amount of time on screens and stresses how important it is to be active every day.
Strategies to mitigate the negative impacts.
Parents can do a number of things to help their child’s oral health while they are watching TV or movies. It is very important to set and stick to regular screen time limits. Making places without screens, like beds and mealtimes, can help set healthy limits.
Better oral health can also be achieved by encouraging regular physical exercise and healthy food. Cavities are much less likely to happen if you give healthy food like fruits, veggies, and water instead of sugary treats.
Make oral hygiene fun.
Kids are more likely to brush and floss regularly if they think it is fun to do so. To make brushing more fun, parents can set timers, play upbeat music, or let their child pick out their own toothbrush. Also, it is important to take kids to the dentist regularly, even if they do not seem to have any problems.
Lead by example.
Lastly, the most important thing is to lead by example. Parents should limit the amount of time they spend in front of screens and do screen-free tasks with their kids. Parents can help their kids have a good bond with their oral health for a lifetime by encouraging healthy habits and making the home a safe place to be.
Technology has many perks, but too much time in front of a screen can be very bad for a child’s oral health. Parents can help their kids develop healthy habits that will protect their smiles for years to come by educating them about the risks and taking steps to reduce these risks.