When your child first told you that they wanted to join the school band, you were overjoyed. After all, research has shown that playing a musical instrument can enhance a child’s cognition and improve focus. Not to mention, it’s a great way for them to make friends. Is there anything bad that can come from playing an instrument? Well, not necessarily, but there are a few potential oral health issues you should watch out for. A family dentist in Center, TX explains what should be on your radar.
Bacteria
Brass and woodwind instruments collect saliva particles inside of them. Eventually, bacteria, yeast, and molds can grow and possibly infect your son or daughter. To minimize this risk, make sure your child’s instrument is thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. This will not only keep your little one healthy, but ensure the instrument performs at its best.
Trauma to Their Teeth and Lips
To play a wind instrument, the player must forcefully hold against or within the lips. This pressure can create uncomfortable problems for growing teeth and delicate soft tissue, particularly if your child has braces. In many cases, your dentist can recommend a soft acrylic guard to alleviate some of this pressure.
Additionally, kids who are prone to cold sores can get them more frequently when they play a wind instrument. Be on the lookout for those.
Poor Posture
If your child plays a string instrument like the violin, they won’t have to worry about bacteria or harmful contact with the lips and teeth. However, they can present their own set of oral health problems.
The body position required to play a violin or viola isn’t always the healthiest for the face, neck, and chin. It can be all too easy for a kid to get lazy about their posture. These awkward playing positions can even contribute to, or worsen, bite alignment problems like overbites. Make sure your child gets in the habit of maintaining good posture while practicing.
Choose the Right Instrument
When your child first expresses interest in joining the school band, consult with a music teacher. Any band director worth their salt will be able to tell which instruments are best suited for a child based on qualities like their size, finger and hand strength, and teeth structure.
Of course, it can also help to talk to your child’s dentist. They can provide you with suggestions on how your son or daughter can begin their musical career while keeping their smile healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Youngblood is a dentist in Center, TX who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2002 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. As an Affiliate Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, he is able to help children of all ages maintain healthy smiles. To learn more about keeping your child’s mouth healthy while they play a musical instrument, contact Family Dental Center of East Texas at (936) 427-9070.