There are many good things about living in the digital age, but for kids in La Quinta, California, who are getting orthodontic treatment, too much screen time could be getting in the way of a straight smile.
We will talk about how screen time can affect jaw growth and tooth alignment, and we will give parents and kids tips on how to use technology safely while keeping their smiles straight. For more information, speak to a La Quinta, California orthodentist today.
Dry mouth is a silent saboteur.
There are times when we get so into a game or movie that we forget about the world (and our thirst) around us. Having a dry mouth for a long time while watching TV or on your phone is a sneaky cause.
Saliva is very important for cleaning the mouth because it neutralizes acids that are bad for you. If you do not have enough saliva, these acids can hurt your tooth enamel, which makes cavities more likely.
Posture problems can lead to jaw pain.
Do you think that having a good posture is only about how you look? You should not believe that! It can be hard on the neck and jaw muscles to slouch over phones and computers. This can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, which could slow jaw growth and make teeth less straight.
Take a power nap instead of a power scroll.
Blue light from screens can make it hard to sleep. For good growth and development, including jaw development, teens need a lot of sleep. If you do not get enough sleep, your body does not have enough time to fix and rebuild cells, which could change the way your jaw grows.
What you need to know about mindless snacking and sipping.
People who spend a lot of time in front of a screen tend to eat mindlessly. Snacks and drinks that are high in sugar and bad oral care because of dry mouth from screens can really damage teeth. Tooth loss, infections, and gum disease can be caused by these habits, which means you might need more dental work in addition to braces or aligners.
How can you balance your screen time?
Does this mean getting rid of all screens? Not always, though! Setting good limits is very important. Parents and kids can use these useful tips:
1. Set time limits for the screen.
Talk about time limits and follow them. You might want to use timers or parental control apps.
2. Plan things to do without a screen.
Teenagers should be encouraged to do things that get them moving, like sports, hobbies, or just being outside.
3. Water is very important.
Remind teens to drink water often while they are watching TV or movies to keep their mouths hydrated and saliva moving.
4. Maintaining good posture is important.
Encourage people to use electronics with good posture. Do not hunch over. Instead, sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed.
5. Pick healthy snacks.
When you want a snack after computer time, choose healthy ones like nuts, fruits, and veggies.
6. Take care of your teeth.
Even if you have braces or aligners, you should still brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Navigate the digital world with a smile!
Teens who are getting orthodontics can speed up their path to a beautiful smile by being aware of how much time they spend in front of a screen and starting to do healthy things.
Remember, communication is key. Talk to your orthodontist if you are worried about jaw pain, soreness, or changes in your mouth health. Teenagers can use technology in a healthy way if they plan ahead and take action.