Is there a connection between teeth and sleep in children?
Many of us parents have been overwhelmed by our children’s sleep, especially when they are young.
Have you ever wondered as a parent whether there is a relationship between teeth and sleep?
In this article, discover:
What is the link between oral health and sleep quality, and how does it affect our children.
What are the most common factors that cause oral problems related to sleep quality.
How to prevent and manage these issues to improve children’s sleep quality.
The connection between oral health and sleep quality in children
Children’s health depends on a balance of many factors. Two factors that are closely related, but that many parents are unaware of, are sleep quality and oral health.
Aside from brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits to protect our children’s teeth, we need to be aware of other dental factors that could affect sleep.
Common dental issues linked to poor sleep quality
As parents, restless nights are a nightmare. Some conditions that cause dental discomfort, such as toothache and gum pain, can increase our children’s difficulty falling asleep. Conversely, poor sleep weakens the immune system, and this can cause dental problems in our children. This creates a cycle that negatively impacts our children’s health. Some common problems linked to poor sleep quality include the following:
Teeth grinding (bruxism) in children
Sleep bruxism, or teeth grinding at night, is quite common in children. It is a grinding of their teeth or jaw clenching that can be heard when they sleep. Generally, children with sleep bruxism may wake up suddenly and frequently, or have trouble falling back to sleep.
Sleep bruxism can be caused by stress, anxiety, or even growing teeth or jaws. It can significantly affect sleep, and if left untreated, can cause permanent damage such as fractured teeth, jaw disorders, dentin wear, and others.
Dental and jaw misalignment
Dental misalignment, also called malocclusion, refers to crooked teeth or jaws. Dental misalignment may be caused by:
Genetic factors
Thumb sucking
Prolonged use of the pacifier
Dental misalignment affects sleep in many ways. In particular, it can contribute to airway obstruction in some sleeping positions. This airway obstruction increases sleep disorders such as OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). OSA causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to fragmented sleep and poor-quality rest. In general, children with OSA snore often, wake up a lot, and feel tired during the day.
To prevent these sleep disruptions, it is important to address dental misalignment early.
Additional oral factors affecting sleep
Other oral and dental factors that can affect our children’s sleep are mouth breathing, dry mouth, and bottle use at bedtime.
Mouth breathing: Many children breathe through the mouth instead of the nose for different reasons. This can alter their jaw and facial growth and increase the likelihood of snoring or fragmented sleep.
Dry mouth: Saliva normally decreases in our mouths when we sleep. Children who sleep poorly or who breathe through their mouths have abnormally dry mouths, which increases the risk of dental caries or gum inflammation.
Bottle use at bedtime: Parents run a major risk of baby bottle tooth decay if they let their children fall asleep with a bottle.
A high prevalence of cavities in baby teeth may lead to a higher prevalence of dental problems in the long run.
Consequences of poor sleep in children
Children who are sleep deprived are less motivated to brush and floss regularly. This increases their chances of having more dental problems.
Additionally, these children may struggle with mood swings, difficulty concentrating, slower development, and slower growth. Some wide-ranging effects affect children’s physical health, cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being:
Disruption of repair processes: Bone and tissue growth and hormonal regulation take place during sleep. Poor sleep quality interferes with these processes in children.
Prevalence of sleep trouble: Many studies show a high prevalence of children having trouble sleeping due to dental problems. This can lead them to have fragmented and insufficient rest.
Impact on quality of life: During the day, children who sleep poorly tend to have poor concentration, be more irritable, have tantrums, and have learning difficulties.
Specific oral problems: Children who sleep poorly due to oral problems may have malocclusion, bruxism, dry mouth, and increased cavities.
Long-term dental implications
Poor sleep during infancy can affect growth, development, immune function, and general well-being. Early prevention is extremely important to improve sleep and sleep quality and break this harmful cycle.
Prevention and management: Tips for parents
The good news for parents is that there are many prevention strategies and tips for improvement with the right approach:
Early detection
Routine visits to a dentist can help detect problems early. In addition, monitoring children’s sleep behaviors for teeth grinding noises, jaw pain, snoring or mouth breathing is important for parents.
If problems persist, parents may seek further evaluation by a specialist.
Improved sleep habits
A dark, quiet, and cool room can help children sleep more peacefully. These factors can also indirectly improve stress and decrease bruxism.
Dental appliances
For children who grind their teeth at night, there are mouthguards to protect the teeth. In addition, early intervention with orthodontics improves the quality of sleep in children.
Addressing airway issues
Children with chronic respiratory problems are more likely to have airway problems. These problems can be improved by treating possible allergies and nasal congestion and maintaining humidity with a humidifier if necessary.
Healthy Habits
A consistent bedtime routine, in addition to avoiding snacks and drinks before bedtime, can improve children’s sleep. In addition, it is important to improve eating habits and manage stress.
Finally, you can gently remind children of the importance of breathing through their nose.
Remember: as parents, it is our duty to look out for the welfare of our children. With the help of great professionals and the right approach, we can improve the quality of their sleep and increase their quality of life, and let’s face it: if they sleep better, we sleep better.
Cultural Approaches to Children’s Dental Care Around the World
We live in a world of thousands of diverse cultures and different languages. Manmade borders separate our lands. Most importantly, we have differing forms of governance, ways of life, and healthcare that, although practiced in an array of ways around the world, universally aim to help cure the sick and improve our overall well-being.
When it comes to children’s dental care, we may see some practices that pass down from generation to generation, such as some rural communities that rely on using twigs from specific trees to pick their children’s teeth, to those more modern who have adopted electrical toothbrushes to achieve their glimmering smile.
This article explores the different cultural practices and beliefs surrounding children’s dental health and hygiene globally, beginning with Asia, Africa, South America, and North America, and ending with Europe.
Asia
In Southeast Asia, we can see the tradition of ‘oil pulling’. This is a traditional folk remedy practiced in ancient India. When practiced regularly, this ancient practice is believed to cure more than thirty systemic diseases. For those who experience side effects from modern medicines and oral hygiene products, oil pulling is an attractive substitute. It can also have positive effects on overall health.
How to apply oil pulling in children?
In children, a teaspoon of oil is ‘pulled’ and forced between all the teeth by swishing it all around the mouth before breakfast on an empty stomach. Parents need to ensure that the child does not swallow the oil or spit it down the drain, where it will clog the pipes.
For some areas where children suffer from oral ulcers and brushing is difficult, oil pulling may be an advantageous substitute. Traditionally, sesame oil is the preferred oil.
Would you try oil pulling as part of your child’s daily dental routine?
Miswak Stick
A Miswak stick is also a cleaning method in Asian, African, Islamic, and Arabian cultures. The end is often chewed on to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris from the teeth. Dental professionals consider these sticks to be of interest as they contain properties positive for oral health. However, most dentists consider them a supplement and not a replacement for modern oral care methods.
Africa
Africa also applies the Miswak stick. This method is popular for cleaning plaque and improving overall oral hygiene, particularly in North and East Africa. Most people know it for its natural fluoride content and antimicrobial properties. However, oral health is a major public health issue in West Africa, with almost no solutions provided by the government.
How are adolescents affected in Africa?
In most African countries, adolescence, a key period marked by biological, emotional, and social evolution and development, represents a critical period to influence adult oral health.
In West Africa, the adolescent population is disproportionately affected by oral disorders such as gum disease and tooth decay compared to the rest of the world. These issues manifest from the lack of available services, treatment availability, insurance coverage, and oral health knowledge and practices. To combat this, the local regions must improve oral health knowledge, early childhood nutrition, and better social and cultural conditions.
The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” stems from Africa, where community-led child rearing is a known practice. In some African cultures, groups gather together to brush their teeth. This not only promotes good dental hygiene but also strengthens community bonds.
The next time you want your child to brush their teeth, maybe you can make it a family activity and gather together in front of the bathroom mirror before bed! This may combine your family’s overall oral health and social well-being.
Americas
We see a different approach from South America and North America, given the different cultural approaches each part of the continent has.
South America
In South America, we can see a rich history of health practices derived from indigenous tradition and Western dentistry. Indigenous communities often look to natural resources such as the coca leaf, which can numb the gums and offer pain relief. However, due to its stimulating effect, the coca leaf is not appropriate for children’s oral and overall health. Chamomile tea and guava leaves can produce tea that can alleviate toothaches, which could be a healthy and natural substitute for over-the-counter medicine for your child.
North America
In North America, Western dentistry practices are the most popular form of treatment. However, there has been an uptake in more natural remedies and oral healthcare treatments in recent years. For example, many orthodontic centres have started offering therapy dogs as a company for kids and young patients who suffer from anxiety when visiting the dentist. Perhaps the next time you visit your family dentist, you can settle your child’s nerves with a fluffy friend to make sure that you are all smiling from the moment your child sits in the dental chair, to the moment you leave.
Europe
In modern dental practices across Europe, one can find the latest in dental treatments and technologies, from 3D imaging for precision diagnostics to advanced materials for fillings and prosthetics. However, due to the high costs of European practitioners, many Europeans from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK travel to Serbia and Spain for treatments that would otherwise cost two to three times more in their home countries. As dentists are often trained in Germany, the UK, and the US, Serbia and Spain can offer high international standards of orthodontic care while offering lower costs.
Similarly, Poland is a favourite among UK and Scandinavian patients, offering 50-70% off home prices. High treatment and poorly implemented health coverage for the child population mean that large swathes of the European population are at risk of long-lasting negative impacts on oral and overall health. As a result, dental tourism has become more popular in recent years.
Natural remedies in Europe
Natural remedies are also present in Europe, particularly in Eastern European countries, where herbal rinses such as sage and mint have been passed down from generation to generation. In Europe, dental professionals advocate for a balanced approach between modern and traditional practices.
Different approaches affect the way we care for kids’ teeth
Despite the tremendous differences in ways of life across the globe, the universal objective of all forms of healthcare is to alleviate sickness and improve overall quality of life. Methods used in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe can be incorporated into your child’s dental routine to ensure they keep smiling for years to come. However, never forget to brush their teeth!
Sustainability is one of the most important practices of this time, as we need to combat climate change and create a greener planet. Conscious consumerism is vital to cutting down on our overall waste. The way we approach our family’s dental routine can also become greener!
As parents, it is crucial that we strive towards an eco-friendly society and choose greener products that do not cause greater harm and waste to the environment.
Thankfully, there are a plethora of options available in dental care to leave the planet greener and contribute to your child’s healthy and happy smile!
What eco-friendly options are available for parents?
Let’s analyze some of the options available out there that are considered eco-friendly for dental care, but are also a good option for your children’s teeth:
Bamboo Toothbrushes
We discard billions of plastic toothbrushes every year. For most people, toothbrushes are considered disposable, with a short life.
Dentists recommend we change our toothbrushes once every four months, so it’s no wonder toothbrushes produce so much plastic waste annually:
“Normal” toothbrushes: These are made of fossil fuel-derived polypropylene, which is used to produce electric and plastic manual brushes. They have a big impact on the environment.
Bamboo toothbrushes: Toothbrushes made from bamboo are a bio-friendly substitute as they are biodegradable.
Electric toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes are 11 times more environmentally harmful than bamboo toothbrushes.
However, it is essential to remember that bamboo trees are not always best for increasing biodiversity or growing trees to offset carbon emissions. For this reason, it is important to review which bamboo toothbrush to choose. Try to research the company to ensure that they produce their bamboo stock in a way that respects the surrounding ecosystem and does not intrude on land for food production or disrupt biodiversity.
Natural Toothpaste
Regular, store-bought toothpaste can be environmentally harmful. This is because toothpaste contains ingredients such as triclosan, carrageenan, microplastics, and artificial colours. Once toothpaste is down the drain, it can contribute to water pollution and have adverse effects on our fragile aquatic ecosystems and marine life. Similarly, toothpaste capsules come from plastic and go back to the landfill.
Although it may sound strange, it is possible to make your own toothpaste at home using simple ingredients. For example, baking soda, coconut oil, and peppermint. It can also be cost-effective. You will also avoid many harmful chemicals that will make you and your children’s lives healthier.
What can be better than keeping money in your pocket and making the planet greener?
If you do not have the time to make your own, you can purchase plenty of environmentally friendly and natural substitutes from selected stores. Many of them contain mint, salt, or aloe vera. Research your options and choose what suits you best.
Reusable Silicone Toothbrush Covers
Toothbrush covers keep your child’s toothbrush clean and protected from bacteria and germs. However, covers are often made from plastic, which contributes to unnecessary waste in the environment.
These covers fit over the toothbrush head. You can take them off every time your child cleans their teeth.
Silicone covers are a durable, easy-to-clean, and sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.
If you want to make a difference, choose durable products over single-use.
Compostable Toothbrush Holders
Toothbrush holders, where parents can keep their family’s toothbrushes safe and in place, are also usually made of plastic, which contributes to waste.
Did you know there are many alternatives to plastic holders that are made from eco-friendly alternatives, such as bamboo, corn starch, and wheat straw?
These alternatives are compostable and biodegradable, offering another tremendous solution to reduce waste and contribute to a healthier and greener planet.
Reduce water waste and use a compostable and reusable cup
Water is a fundamental component of brushing our teeth. However, we should all be conscious of unnecessary water waste when brushing our teeth.
We are all guilty of leaving the tap on when brushing our teeth, but by being extra conscious, we will avoid unnecessary water waste.
We should avoid using our hands as a substitute for holding water, as they contain germs and can make us sick. Instead, parents can give their child a reusable or biodegradable cup to help them brush their teeth.
Turning the tap off while brushing can save up to 64 cups of water. If you brush twice a day, you would lose 8 gallons a day, 200 gallons a month, and over 2,400 gallons a year!
Although 70% of our planet is covered in water, less than 1% is drinkable. By being extra conscious of our tap, we will make a considerable effort to conserve our water.
Environmentally friendly floss
Every year, we throw 5 billion plastic floss picks into landfills. Floss takes hundreds of years to break down. Many flossing products also contain harmful chemicals, microplastics and synthetic coatings. These are some facts why floss is not environmentally friendly:
Floss: Traditional floss is usually nylon which is a synthetic material. Nylon comes from fossil fuels which emit greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
Packaging: Packaging for floss also poses a major challenge to the environment. The cartridges that contain floss are plastic and we discard them too.
Alternatives include floss products created from bamboo, silk, or plant- based fibers. Parents can choose healthier and greener alternatives, with game-changing innovations that are 100% compostable and biodegradable and do not contain any harmful microplastics. Natural floss products contribute to greener oral care and to a more ethical planet.
Eco-friendly dental routines can protect your child’s future
Fighting climate change may seem like an overwhelming task, especially as a parent, as we are naturally anxious about the safety of our children and their futures.
Although it may seem that we have little control over the health of the planet, making little choices as day-to-day consumers can have a monumental impact on the health of the planet. Whether it is using a bamboo toothbrush or making an effort to decrease water waste, we can protect the overall health of our children and still be counscious about the planet.
By making small, greener choices, we can knock down the wall of climate change and build a greener future for our children. By educating your child on the importance of greener choices, we can lay the foundation for them to become environmentally conscious adults who will inherit and cherish a greener planet.
Oral and dental health is of utmost importance for children to ensure that they grow to have beautiful, happy smiles and overall great health.
What can we expect of their dental development each year?
Although each child may be different in their own development, parents can refer to dental milestones from infancy to adolescence to get an idea of how their child’s dental well-being is progressing.
Keep reading to find out more about what to expect, from newborns to adolescents. This article provides the necessary roadmap to know what to expect from year to year.
A closer look at dental development
Dental growth refers to the eruption of the teeth from the gums, as well as the size and structure of the teeth.
Dental development refers to the important moments that shape the child’s overall dental health.
Let’s look at different stages regarding dental growth and development. Remember that the ages in this article are only referential, and your kid may have different stages according to their specific developmental moment.
From birth to their first birthday
The dentist and other parents regularly tell new parents about the “teething years”. This teething phase refers to the development and eruption of baby teeth from their gums within the first year of the child’s life.
Parents can expect their baby to show its first teeth between 6 and 10 months, although it is difficult to predict precisely when this may happen. Baby teeth start in the jaw, and the two bottom teeth (or the lower central incisors) are often the first to appear, although some children may be different. For example, having no teeth at age one is entirely normal; some babies are even born with teeth.
There is also a wide range of experiences with teething, with some babies experiencing much discomfort and others having no issues at all. You can observe teething symptoms: drooling, crankiness, red and sore gums, and difficulty sleeping. Parents can offset the symptoms by distracting kids from their pain through playing games, offering teething rings to chew on, and offering chilled baby foods to relieve the discomfort.
From 1 to 3 years
If all goes well, parents can see the formulation of their child’s ‘baby smile’ beginning to take shape. By the age of three, the child should be sporting 20 baby teeth.
Once the child has a mouth full of teeth, parents can begin to organise their first visit to the dentist for an appointment. This visit will ensure that all the teeth have adequately sprouted and that all the gums and the rest of their dental health are well. Parents should schedule dental visits every six months.
Parents can think of their child’s baby teeth as the foundation to build their speech development and create the space necessary for their adult teeth in adolescence. As soon as any teeth appear, parents can begin to softly brush their child’s teeth and floss between them daily. This way, parents will help build a healthy habit that will foster the child’s health well into adulthood.
From 3 to 5 years
Welcome to the “preschool period”, where the child may rapidly improve their motor skills. For example, they develop a stronger sense of spatial awareness and gain independence in completing some basic tasks independently, even tooth brushing.
The development of teeth during this period is also crucial for improving speech development. Parents can supervise their child to ensure they are brushing correctly.
Thumb sucking, although a common habit during this period, if left persistent after the age of four, can impact tooth development, particularly the front teeth which may push forwards and cause problems long term. Parents can continue the development of teeth through healthy and whole foods to improve dental and gum health.
From 5 to 8 years
Children may start to notice their teeth starting to move in their mouths, with some loosening and moving from side to side, until they eventually come out entirely. This is to create space for when their adult teeth begin to erupt.
At around 6 years of age, the first molars begin to show, often behind the rest of the baby teeth at the back of the gums. These teeth are responsible for 90% of chewing, and there are two in each jaw. From the beginning of this ‘early school’ period, children will need around 6 years to lose all their teeth. Adult teeth will replace these spaces. The exception is their wisdom teeth, which may or may not come after age 13. Some discomfort may be expected, but nothing compared to the pain experienced during the first baby teething period (lucky us!).
From 9 to 12 years
We are now in the middle childhood period, and parents will probably see all their child’s baby teeth fall out of their mouths. The eruption and growth of their kids’ permanent teeth are slowly coming into view.
This may be a tricky period, as children may not have developed enough space for all their teeth, and misalignment or overcrowding may take place. This is why an orthodontic evaluation may be necessary. An orthodontic evaluation at this age will ensure that there is enough time to initiate pre-emptive measures for better alignment and oral comfort.
Some parents may seek an evaluation as young as 7, but so long as parents work with their dentist twice a year, there should be enough opportunity to help develop happy, healthy smiles.
From 13 years onwards
Most teenagers should have 28 adult teeth by the time they are 12 or 13 years old. One to four wisdom teeth, which are extra molars located at the very back of the gums, may erupt between 17 and 26 years of age. Not all teenagers may need to have them removed. Remember, regular check-ups are the key to avoiding overcrowding or other dental issues.
Teenagers are not renowned for their healthy diets, which is why guidance from parents is important to ensure plenty of water is being drunk for hydration and fruits, vegetables, and whole foods are eaten. These contribute to healthy gums and teeth. Similarly, healthy brushing and flossing habits ensure one’s health long into adulthood.
Additionally, at any age, if your child participates in sports, investing in a mouthguard to ensure their teeth are protected may be a good idea.
What can you do as a parent during all these stages?
Navigating your child’s health can be a minefield, especially with their dental development, as so many things can happen to your child’s teeth. However, prevention is key, and so long as parents regularly work with their dentist, children can expect to maintain their beautiful smiles from their baby teeth in childhood, to their adult teeth in adolescence.
Have you ever heard about therapy dogs at the dentist? It sounds crazy, right? But it’s actually true, as parents may no longer need to worry about taking their anxious child to the dentist.
Therapy dogs are proving to be the perfect companions to keep children calm during dental visits. Yes! Many pediatric dental clinics have embraced therapy dogs and have seen fantastic results.
From the initial greeting and onboarding process to the procedure itself and the final farewell, therapy dogs help create a positive experience, ensuring both parent and child leave the clinic feeling at ease.
In this article, you can read more about:
Why and how are therapy dogs being accepted into pediatric dental clinics?
What are the benefits for parents?
How can children feel better from having therapy dogs in the dental clinic?
How are therapy dogs entering pediatric dental clinics?
Children often experience such an intense fear around their dental procedures that attending an appointment becomes overwhelming. Dental anxiety is a global issue (don’t try to tell us you’ve never felt it), creating a significant barrier to successful treatment and negatively impacting long-term oral and overall health.
With the increasing prevalence of digital distractions among young people, who spend more and more time on screens, keeping a child still in the dentist’s chair has become even more challenging. In contrast, therapy dogs offer a modern, effective solution to ease patient anxiety and create a more comfortable environment for successful dental treatment.
What do studies say about therapy dogs?
According to different studies, animal-assisted therapy is a great and effective method for reducing children’s fear of dental visits. One study suggests that between 5 and 20 percent of children experience dental anxiety. Therapy dogs may be the key to alleviating this stress.
In another study, 102 children between 5 and 10 years were observed during a routine dental check-up, and participants were divided into two groups. Group A had a therapy dog present, while Group B did not. Researchers monitored pulse rates and anxiety levels, finding that children in the therapy dog group exhibited significantly lower stress and greater cooperation during their appointments. So now you know it: therapy dogs are really helping during dental visits!
How do dogs help parents?
Every parent wants the best for their child, especially regarding their health and well-being. We know that it is inevitable that children will encounter discomfort or pain at some point in their lives. Anyhow, we never like it when our kids suffer.
Parents must balance their instinct to protect their child with the reality that some situations, such as dental visits, can be stressful but necessary. This is why therapy dogs may be an effective assistant to calm the nerves from the parent and their child – and many times, the dentist – during the dental procedure.
Are therapy dogs beneficial for parents, too?
The dental clinic, with its loud tools and confined spaces, can be an intimidating environment for children. If a parent is anxious, their child is likely to pick up on those emotions, further escalating the tension within the dental room.
This is why worrying about a child’s well-being can be overwhelming. Parents must use all types of tools to ensure a smoother, more positive experience while their children undergo procedures.
Seeing their child benefit from the presence of a therapy dog can help the parent ease their own nerves and, as a result, continue to keep the child calm during the procedure. Therapy dogs provide much-needed comfort for both children and their parents.
Therapy dogs in pediatric dental clinics are a valuable resource in alleviating anxiety for both children and their parents, thus improving the quality of dental care. The benefits keep growing for dentists, parents, and kids.
What exactly happens for kids?
Regular dental visits are necessary for maintaining a child’s oral and overall health. Nevertheless, both parents and dentists have a bigger challenge when fear and anxiety make the experience distressing. A few examples of dental anxiety in children include the following:
Fidgeting
Sweating
Shaking
Crying
Inability to cooperate
Even if a child is told there is nothing to fear, their body may still react to stress responses. This can often be interpreted as the child being ‘naughty’ or ill-mannered, but these behaviors are often a representation of their response to fear.
When a child experiences heightened anxiety, their body releases excess cortisol—the stress hormone—making it difficult for them to self-soothe or self-regulate.
How do children benefit from the dogs in the dental clinic?
Studies have shown that interacting with dogs triggers the release of positive chemicals. For example, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. These “feel-good” chemicals help promote relaxation, thus making it easier for dental professionals to carry out their procedures effectively.
Imagine the sounds of scraping, drilling, and other dental tools (nobody likes that!). Children might feel out of control while sitting in the dental chair.
Now imagine having a dog by your side while all of this is happening to you. Therapy dogs provide a healthy distraction, offering comfort through petting, snuggling, or simply having a reassuring presence nearby.
Interacting with a therapy dog can help with a child’s confidence and sense of security, helping them remain calm throughout their visit, and proving that they can be the perfect four-legged companion to a child visiting the dental clinic. Don’t you wish this was made for adults, too?
Extra considerations when using therapy dogs
For therapy dogs to be effective in dental clinics, proper training is essential. The clinic must also be spacious enough to accommodate the presence of a therapy dog safely.
In smaller clinics, the risk of infection control issues, tripping hazards, or distractions during procedures must be carefully managed.
Therapy dogs should be well-disciplined, ensuring they remain calm despite the various noises and movements occurring in a dental setting. Likewise, children should be educated on how to interact with therapy dogs appropriately, making sure not to pet them too hard or to crowd the dog, ensuring a respectful and safe experience for all.
Therapy dogs have the potential to positively transform dental visits for children and parents, reducing fear and anxiety while fostering a more positive association with oral healthcare. Let’s not forget how these dogs can also help all dental professionals. With their calming presence, therapy dogs can help ensure that everyone leaves the dental clinic with literal smiles on their faces.
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