Can Family Trouble Lead to Poor Oral Health?

Family Conflict Causes Poor Oral Health?

According to a new research study, families who find themselves in verbal or physical conflicts could potentially have poorer oral health and also more cavities in the household. Scientists involved in this study observed 135 families with children of elementary school age and asked them to complete a questionnaire. The questions researchers asked revolved around parent-on-child as well as inter-parental emotional and physical aggression as well as harsh discipline. Additionally, dental professionals gathered information on the number of missing, decayed, and filled teeth that each family member had.

According to the study’s results, the more conflict that occurred between parents, the more cavities those parents had. Additionally, in situations where the mother showed emotional aggression toward her partner, the family's children had more cavities. Researchers involved in the study surmised that the conflict-like behaviors occurring within the family created an environment that undermined the normal, organized routines of the household, such as brushing teeth twice daily. For example, an intense conflict may cause a parent to focus on themselves instead of their children.

In order to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent cavities and tooth loss, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that individuals, both adults and children, brush their teeth for at least a period of two minutes at a minimum of two times a day. The toothbrush being used should ideally be soft-bristled and be the appropriate size and shape to fit the individual’s mouth and be able to reach all areas of the mouth easily. Additionally, the ADA suggests that individuals replace their toothbrush with a new one every 12 to 16 weeks or when the brush’s bristles have become frayed.

In addition to using a fluoride toothpaste, dental professionals also recommend flossing once daily as part of a proper oral health routine – by flossing on a daily basis, it is possible to remove plaque from between the teeth that toothbrushes can miss. If this plaque is not removed, it is possible for it to become hardened and develop into tartar. Flossing is also important for preventing cavities and gum disease. By following these oral health routine tips, it is possible to achieve and maintain a healthy, happy mouth and also avoid additional complications from different oral health conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

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