For many children, anti-infection protection is an alibi for neglecting mouth cleaning. A mistake since the constant use of toothbrushes and dental floss not only guarantees aesthetics but above all the health of the teeth
To teenagers it seemed like a valid excuse: with a mask, a covered smile and patience if I forgot to brush my teeth. A mistake, because beyond white teeth and fresh breath constant (and correct) hygiene is the first step to mouth health. The laziness of the boys struggling with the toothbrush was highlighted by a survey conducted by Adolescence Laboratorya non-profit association that promotes and disseminates the study and research on adolescents, in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences of the University of Milan on a sample of 3,000 Italian adolescents from lower and upper secondary schools, between March and April 2021.
The aesthetic spring
In 2020, before the pandemic, 64% of teenagers said they always wanted white teeth and good breath, while 34% treated their teeth to prevent more specific problems such as tooth decay. The social distancing of 2021 led to a decrease in oral hygiene among young people interviewed: only 7% of adolescents brushed their teeth after every meal and many stopped using dental floss or mouthwash. Compared to 2020, young people have reduced the use of mouthwash (54%), brush (15%) and dental floss (29%). Teenagers rely almost exclusively on toothbrushes and toothpaste for their oral hygiene.
Girls are more careful: 62% of the teenagers interviewed brush their teeth after breakfast, while only 55% of the boys do it.
An alibi to put off the dentist
In the last 2 years, Covid-19 has been the most common alibi of adolescents to justify the missed appointments for general dental check-ups, for which the attendance of the dentist essentially concentrated on the interventions of absolute necessity, omitting prevention, emphasizes Giampietro Farronato, professor at the ‘University of Milan. Furthermore, due to the pandemic emergency, there has been an increasing number of adolescents with oral cavity problems, caused by the decreased frequency and time of tooth brushing. According to our investigations, tooth brushing has a predominantly dental cosmetic value for adolescents and linked to social relationships, rather than the effects on health, adds Maurizio Tucci, president of Laboratorio Adolescenza. It will be interesting to observe, through the 2022 survey that we have in the pipeline, how the phenomenon will evolve. The answers given by the teenagers interviewed show the importance of finding effective communication, in order to attract the interests of young patients: aesthetics and sociality, and then guide them to a deeper knowledge of health and oral hygiene, comments Chiara Tomasoni , Clinical Support Manager of Align Technology Italia, a dental device company, socially committed to the Acts of Random Kindness project which aims to offer free dental care to patients with special needs. It is essential to maintain the habit of good oral hygiene as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Oral hygiene is important for the aesthetics of a smile, but much more than that: the starting point for the prevention of dental caries and other problems, which could become serious if left untreated. We must instill a correct culture of oral hygiene from an early age, emphasizing its aesthetic and social aspects, without neglecting even the clinical ones “.
The Decalogue
On the occasion of the World Day of Oral Hygiene (March 20) it is appropriate to recall these points.
1. Good oral hygiene important from a young age
2.Teeth should be brushed at least 3 times a day, especially after main meals
3.Teeth should be brushed for at least 2 minutes, taking care to cover the entire surface of the tooth, with movements from top to bottom, back and forth and from right to left
4. Floss should be used every day
5. A check-up at the dentist should be done at least twice a year
6.If kids’ teeth are misaligned, get advice from your dentist on the best way to straighten them
7. Avoid consuming too sugary foods that could stain your teeth
8. In case of contact sports, use mouthguards to limit possible damage
9.In case of dental appliance, use brush and dental floss frequently to remove food build-up
10. Ask your dentist about any tricks that might help with your children’s oral hygiene
March 17, 2022 (change March 17, 2022 | 14:54)
© REPRODUCTION RESERVED
#manicured #teeth #aligners