Kids today have got it harder than ever when it comes to bullying, and unfortunately, children with bad teeth are often on the receiving end.
This may not come as a major surprise, but the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics actually found that teeth were the top targeted facial feature when it came to bullying.
About the Study
The study examined sixth grade students in Amman, Jordan, and it found that a significant amount of school bullying resulted from children’s facial and dental appearances.
About 900 kids were involved in the study, and about half of them had been bullied. Surprisingly, more boys reported bullying than girls, and the end result was kids that were more likely to dislike school and to skip classes.
After further discussing their experiences, approximately half of the bullying victims stated that they knew that they were picked on as a result of their teeth. Some of the most common problems included stains, buck teeth, gaps, and missing teeth. It is thought that most of these experiences could easily be translated to kids in the U.S.
What Can Be Done?
With advances in dentistry, there are many things that can be done if your kid’s smile needs some work. Much of the work will start at home, and as a parent, it is your responsibility to instill positive oral health habits in your kids.
Make sure that you are supervising their oral health routine, which should include brushing twice per day and flossing at least once daily.
Your dentist will also be an important ally in helping to ensure your child has a smile in which she can be proud. If your child has problems with alignment, gaps, and crowding, braces might be needed.
If stains are a problem, contact us today about whitening methods. Regardless of the problem, you should be sure to have an open and communicative relationship with your dentist for best results.
