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Your little one’s first dental visit is a major milestone; however, it may be more important than some parents think. We know that your child’s health is a high-priority concern, but this should also include their oral health. An initial visit to a pediatric dentist is a good idea, and most parents make an appointment for their kids once they are old enough. It’s an even better idea to make these visits regular. Here’s a list of reasons why letting your kid see a dentist should be one of the top priorities when caring for your kid’s overall health.

Familiarizing with future visits

Dentists usually advise parents to let their kids see a dentist early in life, ideally as early as their 1st birthday. These early visits are especially important for your child’s development. Think of it as a chance for your child to test the waters. Children tend to have a more positive opinion of the dentist if they visit early and get used to visiting the dentist’s office. It’s a great chance to acclimatize to the dentist’s chair, equipment, and lights, which can make future visits to the dentist much easier when they come around.

Family dental clinics may also carry toys, games, and goodies that can entertain children, keep them calm, and make them feel more at ease.

Getting personalized care

No two mouths are the same; one child’s oral health is different from another’s. A family dentist can provide a personalized treatment plan to address your child’s needs. For example, if your kids’ x-rays show irregularities, your dentist can make plans to correct the alignment preventively (including removing late baby teeth and installing orthodontic treatments) and ensure the teeth turn out straight. Family dentists also know the parents and family history and risk factors such as an increased risk of cavities or gum disease.

Treating developing teeth and gums and Dealing with dental emergencies

A pediatric dentist is well-equipped to meet the needs of kids. Children’s teeth are still growing, which can present some issues (including over-retained baby teeth and cavities) which the dentist can look into each visit. The dentist also has the know-how to treat issues for older kids, including wisdom teeth and braces.

Many common dental emergencies can strike when they’re least expected or wanted, but it can be especially dire when it happens to your little one. Baby teeth are susceptible to damage (like cavities), and losing them can cause complications to the rest of the jaw. Regular visits to the dentist can do much to prevent common dental ailments like tooth decay, and help you get immediate medical attention in case of more serious developments.

Forming good dental habits

One aspect of a pediatric dentist is helping kids form good dental habits for life. Bad habits like finger-sucking and teeth grinding are common in many kids. Dentists can also play a big role in getting your kids to make brushing and flossing regular habits, usually by explaining them in ways kids find fun and interesting. These visits can also be beneficial for parents as well.

When talking about any GI cancer, we must understand that gastrointestinal cancer is not just one type of cancer. It is a group of different cancers that occur in the digestive tract.

Esophageal cancer is one such type of GI cancer. As per WHO, Globocan 2018 data, it is the sixth most common cancer in India, with an incidence rate of 5.04%. It is also the reason for the sixth-most cancer-related deaths in India. It is the 5th most prevalent cancer in Indian males and the 6th most common cancer in females. Often, Indian males are more affected by the disease than women.

The numbers tell us that it is essential to raise awareness in the country when the main factors for causing the disease include tobacco and alcohol consumption – which are both rampant in India.

What are the Most Common Causes of Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells in the esophagus mutate and grow unnaturally. Often doctors attribute chronic irritation to result in changes that increase the chances of cancer of the esophagus. A few factors that cause chronic irritation in the organ are listed below:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Our stomach contains acids to digest the food that we consume. When people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, they must seek treatment for GERD immediately. The acids can escape into the esophagus and cause heartburn or acid reflux in the mouth. It also affects the esophagus lining and causes Barrette’s Esophagus, which increases the risk of developing adenocarcinoma.

If your surgical gastroenterologist has diagnosed you with Barrette’s Esophagus, it affects the squamous cells of the esophagus to change their structure to become more resistant to stomach acids. The condition can increase your chances of getting adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

2. Consumption of Tobacco in any form

Whether you consume tobacco in any form, including smoking cigarettes, smoking hookah, or chewing betel nut mixed with tobacco, you have five times the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

If you are currently smoking or consuming tobacco, talk to your trusted doctor and learn to quit your habit. From nicotine patches, physical relaxation techniques, and avoiding tobacco triggers, your doctor will guide you in the right way.

3. Consumption of Alcohol

People who regularly consume alcohol have a higher risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Whether your intake is one glass of alcohol daily or every couple of days, you can benefit by letting go of your habit. Also, when you combine alcohol with smoking, it increases the risk of esophageal cancer phenomenally.

4. Obesity

An obese patient with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 has shown a higher risk of esophageal cancer. One reason obesity is closely associated with esophageal cancer is obese and overweight individuals often suffer from GERD, which increases the risk of cancer of the esophagus.

If you want to lead a healthy and cancer-free life, focus on maintaining healthy body weight. Include physical activity, exercise, and meditation in your lifestyle to reduce stress and improve health.

5. Reduced Intake of Fiber (Fruits/Vegetables)

Your diet affects the health of your body. Although more research is required for the effects of diet on the risks of esophageal cancer, doctors often recommend limiting the consumption of processed meat. Additionally, if you regularly consume hot beverages or avoid an intake of vegetables and fruits, they can increase your risk.

To ensure a healthy digestive system, focus on consuming more fruits and vegetables. Eat fresh produce and limit processed, fermented and spicy foods that cause acid reflux.

6. Gender and Previous History of Cancer

One must note that incidences of esophageal cancer are higher in men than in women. So, if your lifestyle makes you susceptible to the disease, ensure regular medical screening from the beginning.

Additionally, if you have a previous history of lung cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, and other types of GI cancer, your risks increase multiple times. In such situations, you must consult a GI surgeon and learn ways to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.

Take care of your Health!

Not all risk factors associated with esophageal cancer are modifiable, but many are. If you want to reduce the risk of cancer of the esophagus, take precautions, adopt a healthy lifestyle and learn more about diseases of the esophagus. Reduce your alcohol intake, limit your tobacco consumption, and maintain a healthy weight.

One more crucial aspect is regular medical screening. Several types of GI cancer, including esophageal cancer, can be treated successfully if your surgical gastroenterologist can detect the problem early. So, you must visit your doctor for routine medical checkups and look for any obstruction that you might feel in the esophagus while swallowing. If you are experiencing pain in the esophagus or notice some blood, do not wait. Consult your GI surgeon immediately for esophageal cancer treatment.