In today's society, children's self-confidence and psychological development are affected by many factors such as status and appearance. The health and beauty of your teeth is a key factor. Most parents want their children to have healthy teeth, but some children may face a problem called premolar enamel loss (MIH). Not only does this affect their oral health, it can have profound psychological and emotional consequences for the child.
MIH is a defect in tooth enamel that usually affects persistent molars and incisors, with a global prevalence of approximately 12.9%. This developmental problem results in incomplete mineralization of enamel during maturation, resulting in tooth discoloration and possibly a fragile structure.
For children, MIH is not only an oral problem, but also a psychological challenge. Teeth affected by pigmentation may appear in colors including yellow, brown, natural white or cream, an appearance that may make a child feel inferior in social situations. Surveys show that changes in the color of front teeth have a particularly profound impact on a child's self-confidence. These obvious discolorations can attract attention among children of the same age and can affect the child's mental health.
Research shows that MIH affects the aesthetic appearance of teeth and often causes children to feel anxious and may even avoid social interactions.
In school, interactions between children and their peers are an important part of their social development. When a child is embarrassed by MIH, they may be less likely to make new friends. Reluctance to participate in extracurricular activities or appear in public may cause them to become more isolated and anxious. These emotional distress may even extend into adolescence, affecting their academic performance and future career choices.
Lack of self-confidence not only prevents children from expressing themselves, but also affects their enthusiasm for learning and desire for social interaction.
As a parent, it is important to understand the impact MIH may have on your child. Taking your children to the dentist regularly and detecting and treating MIH early can minimize its impact on the child's psychology. Regarding children's aesthetic issues, parents' understanding and support can help children build confidence. In some cases, improving the appearance of teeth through means such as orthodontics or whitening may become an important step in improving self-confidence.
After discovering that your child has symptoms of MIH, seeking professional medical help promptly is the top priority. Some treatment options include resin fillings, porcelain crowns, or the use of fluoride, which can effectively slow down the disease and improve the appearance of the tooth. In addition, if there are obvious emotional and psychological problems, you can also ask for professional psychological counseling to help the child establish correct self-understanding and values.
Experts suggest that mental health and oral health are equally important, and a two-pronged treatment approach can more effectively improve children's self-confidence.
As a common dental development problem, MIH’s impact on children’s mental health cannot be ignored. From early diagnosis and treatment to parental support and psychological counseling, they are all important factors in promoting children's self-confidence. We can't help but think about how to better help children overcome the challenges brought by MIH and establish a healthy self-image and mentality?