It might seem, these days, like the best thing we can do is stay inside. In some cases, that’s true. But, as the worldwide struggle against
COVID-19 continues, we must all adjust. In some ways, it’s more important to maintain regular medical checkups than ever before.
It is for this reason that we must, too, ensure that the youth in our care receive all the medical attention they need. Orthodontic services are no exception to this. Here are a few reasons you may not have considered as to why you should take your child to the orthodontist in 2020.
Keeping Immune Systems Healthy
You may be thinking to yourself “how does taking my child out to a doctor’s office keep their immune system healthy?”. To this I would urge you to think back to your own childhood.
If you’ve never had a cavity, you probably knew someone who did. In the loss of baby teeth and development of adult ones, it’s quite common for children to experience cavities. So much so, that we often forget how nefarious this condition can become, left untreated.
cavities are symptoms of tooth decay. This is a condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly, more common in children and young adults than any other age group. Untreated cavities very easily become infections. With children returning to school part or full time, it’s more important than ever that children’s immune systems remain in top condition. An infection can compromise this.
Encouraging Healthy Habits
Hygiene has never been more important. We are facing a worldwide medical crisis the likes of which has gone unseen for many years. Things like this often originate in a lack of hygiene, which also plays a huge part in recovery, as well as future prevention. If we want to lead the world in recovery from
COVID-19, as well as contain further pandemic situations, we must start by building a legacy of hygiene with our children.
The things we do with children leave powerful impressions on them. What we show them is valuable can be treasured by them as valuable for the rest of their lives. How powerful, then, is the idea of full-body care shown by taking them to the orthodontist? Children need to be shown that it is important to care for their bodies to prevent disease, and this includes orthodontist services.
It’s the Perfect Time to Start Building Healthy Habits
In the year 2020, it’s more likely than not that you hear news everyday urging you to stay inside. This should be practiced whenever possible, but not at the expense of your health. This is a powerful message to communicate to your child. The pandemic situation has also created a unique perspective for children on certain tasks and outings.
A pessimist might say that we are hardly allowed to go anywhere right now. An optimist would argue that the few adventures we make outside our dwellings now are more valuable than ever. Regardless of how you feel personally, the pandemic presents a unique opportunity to use that optimism as a tool, in teaching your child.
Visiting the doctor is often portrayed in the media, to children, as something they
don’t want to do. Particularly the dentist. This can result in less adjusted adults who loathe getting a cleaning or even having orthodontic services performed when absolutely necessary. The pandemic is a great chance for you, as a parent, to prevent these attitudes from forming.
More likely than not, your children are at least partially in virtual school. They aren’t allowed or advised to leave the house often. They see their friends less, and generally have less to do.
Suddenly, a reason to leave the house doesn’t sound so bad. Add in a good experience with an orthodontist you trust, and you might just be well on your way to building some healthy associations for your child. No one is enjoying the outbreak of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play the hand we’ve been dealt as best we can.
Let a Network You Trust Help You
Most adults have at least one doctor they see semi-regularly, if not several. These are the same people you bring your children to, when they need a checkup or treatment. More than ever before, you may be realizing that these professionals are an important part of your support system, there to help when something goes wrong.
For all of the above reasons and more, you should incorporate an orthodontist into that network of support. Take time for yourself, for your child, to make sure everything is alright, on all fronts. Peace of mind may be in short supply for you and loved ones right now. A simple visit to those you trust, including an orthodontist, may just be the extra nudge you need to know that you and your child are going to be okay.
The world is transitioning through a very strange time right now. We all need our anchors of security. Surround yourself with friends, family, and professionals you trust.
Orthodontic services can do more for you and your child in this trying time than you may have realized, before reading this article. An orthodontist can ensure that your child’s immune system is under no threat from compromise though cavities. You can use your visit to an orthodontist’s office to encourage a healthy lifestyle for your child, while building positive associations. You may even find that thin sliver of peace of mind you’ve been missing.
In a time when every trip through the front door should count, you may want to visit your orthodontist. It can help you and your family more than you know.
