How Heartache Leads to Toothache

How Heartache Leads to Toothache

Children are sensitive beings. Stress in their environment may trigger behavioral changes such as “acting out.” But stress can also lead to physical responses, including changes in their oral health.

In addition, an emotionally stressed child may not feel like keeping to his or her normal oral hygiene routine; he or she may even go back, consciously or unconsciously, to thumb-sucking or tooth grinding, which can have negative effects on the developing mouth and teeth. If such problems last more than a couple of days, it’s best to gently address them in an age-appropriate way.

Financial troubles can lead to lapses in dental care—with serious negative effects. Do your best to keep up with regular dental checkups, professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. If your financial situation has changed, or you find yourself without dental insurance, please discuss your concerns with us. We will do our best to work with you, perhaps coming up with a payment plan that will work with your budget.

Finally, in times of stress, all of us—adults and children—often turn to less-healthy food choices—because they are quick (fast food) or comforting (sweet and salty snacks, such as doughnuts and chips). Try to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, and have them on hand at home, so they can become “fast food” choices, too.

Even when everyone is stressed and cranky, make sure your child brushes after every meal or snack, especially after sugary and starchy ones. This will help prevent decay and problems that can occur long after the current problems have resolved.

Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule today!

How Eating Disorders Affect Oral Health

How Eating Disorders Affect Oral Health

Eating disorders—including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating—affect as many as 30 million Americans of all ages and genders. A full 95% of individuals with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. Contrary to popular misconception, young men are not immune; in fact, an estimated 10% of individuals with anorexia or bulimia are male.

While these disorders have a significant impact on a person’s overall mental and physical health, they can be detrimental to a person’s oral health, as well. All eating disorders can lead to malnourishment, which can result in anemia, vitamin deficiencies and periodontal disease.

Bulimia is the eating disorder that most affects oral health. If your child suffers from bulimia, the effects on his or her dental health will likely be noticeable early on. Frequent vomiting brings stomach acids into the mouth and leads to erosion of the tooth enamel, especially on the back of the front teeth. Severe erosion can also affect a person’s bite. In addition, frequent vomiting can cause a person’s salivary glands to swell and the inside of the mouth to become red and sore.

If your child suffers from an eating disorder, you need to seek professional help. Even with treatment, it may take time to control episodes of induced vomiting. If your child continues to induce vomiting, we recommend that he or she rinse with a solution of baking soda and water afterward. We may also recommend a mouthwash containing fluoride. However, your child should not brush immediately after vomiting; stomach acids can weaken tooth enamel, which means that brushing too soon afterward can lead to further erosion.

Because changes in your child’s mouth are often the first signs of an eating disorder, we may notice its effects when your child comes in for his or her regular examination. As your child undergoes treatment, we can work with you to minimize the effects of the eating disorder on your child’s oral health.

If you have further questions regarding eating disorders, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.