What are the benefits of good tongue posture?

What are the benefits of good tongue posture?

Everyone has knows the benefits of good body posture, but not too many people know about tongue posture. Optimal tongue posture is very important to oral development and even one’s face shape.

Optimal tongue posture helps correct oral development

The principles of tongue posture were first identified by English oral researchers in 1966 and is called orthotropic treatment. This treatment is a tongue muscle technique to correct oral and facial developmental issues in children and adults through proper tongue posture.

This is possible in adults because the skull sutures that surround the maxilla, the upper jaw bone, don’t actually fuse together until you are in your late 60s or early 70s. This flexibility means that both upper and lower jaws can be moved forward or back simply by maintaining correct tongue posture.

The tongue also happens to be a large muscle that can exert quite a lot of pressure on the maxilla. This helps widen the dental arch which allows teeth more space to develop and maintain proper alignment.

How do you achieve right tongue posture?

To achieve optimal tongue posture, simply press and rest your tongue on the maxilla or roof of your mouth with your mouth closed, while breathing through your nose, for up to 8 hours a day. The tip of your tongue should be about a centimetre above your front teeth without touching the back of them.

If you were breast fed as an infant, then you would have pushed your mother’s nipple up against the roof of your mouth. So in a sense, a mother’s breast first trains an infant’s tongue to have good posture from Day 1.

Avoid having incorrect tongue posture

The tongue positions that should be avoided are resting it on the bottom of your mouth, tongue thrust and/or pressing against the back of your front teeth.

The benefits of good tongue posture

Maintaining the right tongue posture has a number of oral health benefits:

  • improves oral development
  • maintains straighter teeth alignment
  • prevents teeth grinding
  • prevents your tongue flopping backwards
  • prevents snoring and sleep apnoea
  • prevents mouth breathing
  • improves support for your cheekbones and jaw so that they remain prominent with age
Proper tongue posture
Australian child oral health habits in 2018

Australian child oral health habits in 2018

In January 2018, the Online Research Unit of The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne conducted a national survey of 2,073 parents or caregivers. The randomly selected survey group reflected Australian population figures, with data collected from 3,992 children including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, primary school-aged children and teenagers. The RCH report – published on 7 March, 2018 – revealed a dismal state of affairs regarding the oral health, habits and care of Australian kids, with many doctors and dentists shocked by the results. The survey addressed the following six key areas in relation to the oral health and dental habits of Aussie kids. We have included the key findings of the survey within each area.
  1. Dental visits
    1. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all children visit a dentist by age one. 77% of parents were not aware of this recommendation and 83% of all children had not visited a dentist by age two. 33% of preschoolers (aged 3 -5) had never seen a dentist.
    2. The ADA recommends that children should visit a dentist once or twice a year. 22% of primary school kids and 25% of teens had not seen a dentist in the past year.
  2. Oral care
    1. The ADA recommends that all children brush their teeth twice a day. 33% of all children did not clean their teeth twice daily. 28% of parents believed that brushing once a day was adequate.
    2. The ADA recommends that parents supervise and assist children aged 8 and under to brush their teeth correctly. 25% of parents rarely or never assisted their child.
  3. Dietary risks: Food and drinks
    1. Consumption of sugary drinks affects oral health. 25% of parents believed that tooth decay is inherited and is not affected by tooth brushing and diet. Over 50% of children consumed sugary drinks regularly.
    2. 23% of children aged 5 years and under fell asleep drinking from a bottle containing a sugary drink on most days. 50% of parents knew tap water is better for oral health than bottled water.
  4. Oral disease and tooth decay
    1. In the past year, 25% of all children had received a filling for decay or cavities; 19% of preadolescents had experienced toothache; 10% had a tooth extraction due to cavities or decay; 8% were hospitalised or sedated for a dental procedure; and 16% of parents believed that tooth decay was harmless to young children.
  5. Dental emergencies
    1. 58% of parents did not know how to administer first aid for knocked out teeth.
    2. 35% of oral injuries occurred during sports, and 49% of those children wore a mouthguard.
  6. Accessing the Children Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) that provides a $1000 benefit for child dental services
    1. 32% of parents were not sure if their child was eligible for the CDBS.
    2. 49% of parents were not aware of the CDBS or any other free or government funded dental benefits.
    3. 76% of preschoolers did not access the CDBS or any other free government funded dental services.
    4. 53% of school-aged children did not access the CDBS or any other free government dental services.
Australian child oral health habits in 2018

What are the implications?

According to the report, tooth decay during childhood is the strongest indicator of poor oral health outcomes in adults. Health professionals, educators and policy makers will need to play a more active role to help educate and guide Australian parents and kids on the correct path towards good oral health. Parents and caregivers also need to ensure that their children develop good oral care habits, access regular dental checkups, and utilise the free child dental benefits provided by the Australian Government if they are eligible.

Reference

Rhodes, A. (2018). Child oral health: Habits in Australian homes. Retrieved from The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne website: https://www.rchpoll.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/NCHP10_Poll-report_Child-oral-health.pdf

The importance of good oral health for teens

The importance of good oral health for teens

The teenage years (12-17) are a crucial time for a person’s physical and mental development. Most teens understand that and the benefits of having a health-focused attitude towards their changing minds and bodies. Even though adolescence can be a challenging and confusing time for teens, most recognise the importance of good nutrition, exercise and skin health care (i.e. no pimples!). Oral health care is also an important health concern for teens, yet it often gets overlooked. Teens can develop a false sense of security about their oral health – and why shouldn’t they? They’ve grown out their baby teeth, and with a brand new set of strong, healthy adult teeth, they think they can eat anything without any oral health consequences.

Unfortunately, this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Most serious oral health conditions experienced by older adults, such as gum disease, recessed gums and tooth loss, are degenerative oral conditions that start with humble beginnings during adolescence. Consider tooth plaque. Plaque – that fuzzy white stuff that can build up on your teeth – might seem harmless enough. It can be scrapped off with your fingernail. But if you allow plaque to remain on your teeth along the gum line for another 10 to 20 years – especially in hard to reach places – it will slowly penetrate the gum line, and move along your tooth roots into your gums.

The importance of good oral health for teens

By then you have a high risk of experiencing periodontal disease – a serious oral health condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. It’s a gradual process that can take decades. So, if you are a teenager, now is the best time to lay the foundations for an oral health care routine that will ensure you keep all your natural teeth for life. Why is this so important? Short answer – you only get one set of natural teeth – and if you lose them, they don’t grow back. Making a strong lifetime commitment to good oral health care and hygiene in your teenage years, is the best investment you can make to ensure that you keep your natural teeth for life – and reduce future health costs by thousands of dollars Ok! Stay tuned for Part 2 – Essential oral health care tips for teens.

Oral health education alone for kids is not enough

Oral health education alone for kids is not enough

Researchers from the Cochrane Public Health Group recently published a review of 38 evidence-based studies on effective community-centred oral health promotion interventions for preventing tooth decay (caries), cavities and gum disease in children. Researchers reviewed interventions in a number of childhood settings including school, community, healthcare and home environments. The results of the review indicated that there was little evidence to show that oral health education alone made a difference in the level of caries in children. Some study results did show that oral health education improved gum health, oral cleanliness and oral hygiene care behaviours.

However, when oral health education was combined with other types of oral health promotion interventions, the impact on children’s oral health was far more positive. A significant improvement in the reduction of caries in children’s baby teeth occurred when oral health education was combined with supervised tooth brushing using fluoridated toothpaste. Caries in children’s permanent teeth were reduced when oral health education was combined with professional dental checkups and preventative care. Other interventions that benefit children’s oral health (when combined with oral health education) include:

  • provision of toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • sugarless non-citric chewing gum
  • motivational mentoring
  • professional dental care
  • application of fluoride varnish and fluoride supplements
  • training of non-professional educators and caregivers
  • improved child diet and restrictions on sugar intake
Oral health education alone for kids is not enough

Essentially, the Cochrane Public Health Group’s review concluded that a range of interventions were necessary to ensure the optimal oral health of children – keeping them free from tooth decay and gum disease, as well as preventing the chronic oral conditions that could affect their future adult health. Sources: “Community-based population-level interventions for promoting child oral health.”, Authors: de Silva AM, Hegde S, Akudo Nwagbara B, Calache H, Gussy MG, Nasser M, Morrice HR, Riggs E, Leong PM, Meyenn LK, Yousefi-Nooraie R. Published: 15 September 2016.

Does your child have a dental home?

Does your child have a dental home?

Firstly, what is a dental home? A dental home is a concept in oral health care for children supported by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Primarily, a dental home is about establishing a life-long relationship or partnership with a skilled dentist, who can manage and meet the comprehensive oral health care needs that you require for your child. A good dental home and its staff must look, listen, learn and earn your trust. They should make you and your child feel welcomed, ‘at home’ and safe. Medical, educational and therapeutical factors all need to be considered in a comprehensive oral health care plan for your child. This set of needs is compromised if your child only visits a dentist out of necessity (or an emergency) and/or if your child’s dentist changes with each visit (through public health care). A revolving door of different dentists denies your child the consistency of dental management and treatment by a trusted, long-term and well-informed dental practitioner. 

So when should you find a dental home for your child? Typically, a dental home is synonymous with your child’s first visit to a dentist at six months of age. At this age, your child’s dental relationship with his or her dentist starts with the dentist identifying feeding issues and changing oral structures, as well as preparing for future oral development. What should I expect from good dental home for my child? You should expect numerous benefits from a good dental home. Here are the main characteristics:

  • Comprehensive dental assessment and care from a dentist who specialises (or is experienced) in pediatric dental care, including preventative and emergency dental services.
  • An individualised preventative oral health care plan that considers and addresses specific oral health issues and concerns, including medical and behavioural factors.
  • Anticipatory awareness and guidance of your child’s changing needs as they grow.
  • 24/7 availability for acute trauma and other dental emergencies.
  • Education and training from the dentist to optimise oral health care at home.
  • Dietary counselling and instruction on special dietary needs and their associated oral health implications.
  • Referrals to other relevant health professionals via a well-established referral network.
  • Transitional services that anticipate and accommodate the oral health care needs of ‘emerging adult’ children.

The concept of a dental home has not been widely promoted in Australia. Yet ironically, one of the main advantages of the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) is that it has made it possible for disadvantaged Australian children to enter into the long-term care of a dedicated local family dentist and dental home. However, in a step backwards for the Department of Health, the ultimate closure of the CDBS will remove millions of kids across Australia from their dental homes, and onto public dental waiting lists to see a dentist whom they neither know nor trust.

Child Dental Benefit Schedule still open for business

Child Dental Benefit Schedule still open for business

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) has been on a roller-coaster for the last two months. The ride started in 23 April with the Government announcement of its closure on 30 June, 2016. The announcement caused a media outcry from Australian dental organizations, the Labour party and the greater community. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) condemned the closure, as well as the new dental program that will replace it – the Child and Adult Public Dental Program (CAPDS). Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten strongly objected to the new policy by stating, “This is the equivalent of cutting Medicare and flooding the emergency wards of Australian hospitals with more patients.” He went on, “The idea that you improve the dental health of children by cutting $1 billion and making all the children of Australia have to go through public waiting lists to get dental care support from the government is a dental care hoax.”

By late April, news of the closure hit home. Thousands of families across Australia, with an outstanding balance on each of their children’s $1000 benefit cap, started booking dental appointments before 30 June, 2016. They were also saying good bye to their personal family dentists and rejoining the long public dental waiting lists to see a random dentist. But an unusual thing happened in the final sitting session in Parliament before the double-dissolution federal election on 2 July. The new legislation was not passed leaving both dental schemes in limbo, as the Government went into caretaker mode.

However, by delaying the implementation of the new CAPDS and leaving the CDBS open, until after the Federal election, the Liberal Party did avoid a possible voter backlash on the hot topic. So, the Department of Health has kept the CDBS open with no specific closure date. And if Bill Shorten becomes Prime Minister, the CBDS will stay open for the Aussie kids that need it the most. The ADA is appealing to the Australian public to support an online petition to save the CDBS – the best public dental program to service the diverse needs of children in Australian communities today. To view, support and sign their online petition, please click the following link: change.org

The oral and gut microbiota work together to keep us healthy

Even though the oral and gut microbiotas appear to be separate entities, they work synergistically to nourish our body and protect it from infection and disease. So it’s important to keep in mind that you can’t effectively improve one microbiota without improving the other as well. For example, you might take a daily gut probiotic supplement – but what about the billions of oral pathogens you swallow every day that make it through the stomach acid barrier and colonise the gut? So, what are the most beneficial ways to give your probiotic oral bacteria a huge boost?

Child Dental Benefit Schedule still open for business

Tips to improve your probiotic oral bacteria and more

You can nurture your probiotic oral bacteria, optimise your oral PH and improve your oral health with the following foods and oral care/lifestyle habits:

  • Eat, chew or drink (with pulp) nitrate-rich high fibre vegetables to maintain and improve the oral microbiome including celery, beetroot, rocket, chard, rhubarb, fennel and oak leaf lettuce.
  • Eat, chew or drink (with pulp) prebiotic high fibre foods that help feed probiotic oral bacteria, including nuts, fruits and seeds.
  • Chew more fibre to create an “oral garden mulch” to feed probiotic bacteria.
  • Use your toothbrush, flosser and tongue scraper to manually remove bacterial plaque – helps keep bacterial numbers between species balanced and in check.
  • Avoid excessive use of anti-microbial mouthwashes since they can harm the oral microbiome, taking out good and bad bacteria. Use mouthwashes with prebiotics that target specific bacteria.
  • Avoid alcohol. Binge drinking can completely disrupt the diversity of your oral microbiome and enable harmful bacteria to flourish.
  • Avoid smoking which can disrupt saliva flow and dry out the oral cavity.