Introduction
It’s no secret that poor oral hygiene is bad for you. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once, and keeping regular dental appointments are all important steps for maintaining good oral health. But it turns out that our oral hygiene habits can affect more than just the health of our mouths – they can also have an effect on our children’s IQs! A new study has shown that children whose parents practice poor oral hygiene habits may be at risk of lower IQ scores. Read on to find out what this study says about the effects of poor dental care and how you can help protect your child’s intelligence.
The study and its findings
A new study has found that poor oral hygiene could have an effect on your child’s IQ.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, looked at data from over 4,000 children aged 6-11. The children were given intelligence tests and had their teeth and gums examined.
The findings showed that those with poor oral hygiene had lower IQ scores than those with good oral hygiene. The difference in IQ was especially notable in Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning – two areas of intelligence that are important for academic success.
So what does this mean for parents? Well, it’s important to make sure that your child is brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. You should also take them to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings every six months. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your child has a healthy mouth – and a high IQ!
What poor oral hygiene can lead to
Poor oral hygiene can lead to many different problems. The most common problems are cavities and gum disease. Cavities happen when the tooth enamel breaks down and bacteria gets into the tooth. This can cause pain, sensitivity, and eventually, an infection. Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. This can cause redness, swelling, bleeding, and pain. Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss. Poor oral hygiene can also cause bad breath, which can be embarrassing and make it hard to socialize. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can lead to an increase in mouth infections, which can be very painful. Lastly, poor oral hygiene has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
How to practice good oral hygiene
To ensure good oral hygiene for your child, it is important to brush their teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is also important to floss daily and have regular dental check-ups.
Conclusion
This study is a great reminder of the importance of good oral hygiene, especially when it comes to children. Poor dental hygiene can not only lead to cavities and gum disease but can also impair your child’s intellectual development. This reinforces the need for parents to ensure that their children brush their teeth twice daily and visit the dentist on a regular basis in order to maintain good dental health and protect them from potential harm.