The Worrisome Decline of Children's Oral Health
Centra Dental
Children’s teeth are vital to the development of not only their oral health, but their entire physical health and mental health. Parents with children must consider the short-term and long-term benefits of training a child how to best take care of their teeth. It is incredibly important to ensure that children are brushing twice daily, flossing, and rinsing.
Oral health may be common idea that sounds positive, but the sound of it isn’t getting through to a lot of people. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), the state of children’s teeth continues to worsen over the years.
A recent study conducted by the AAPD, showed that 5-10% of children have oral health issues by the time they turn three years old. That number leaps dramatically to 60% by the time they reach five. In that number, 40% of those children will have contracted a dental carie when they enter kindergarten.
HOW DO DENTAL CARIES AFFECT CHILDREN?
It isn’t simply about cavities. Oral health issues go much further and deeper than that. According to the AAPD, poor oral health affects the mind and body. Here are some of the issues:
Oral Health
- Loss of baby teeth
- Pain
- Damage to permanent teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Vulnerable to caries and gum disease through life
General Health
- Infections to ears, sinuses, cuts and brain
- Life-threatening infections
- Poor sleeping habits
- Chewing difficulty/Malnutrition/Insufficient Growth
- Disability
Intellectual Development
- Poor speech articulation
- Poor school performance
- Missed school
- Inattention in school
Social Development
- Reluctance to speak, smile, or play
- Teasing from others
- Low self-esteem
- Social ostracism
Yes, taking care of kids teeth extremely important, which is why we are so passionate about kids’ teeth. We want your children to enjoy having a beautiful and healthy smile as they grow up, but it is only possible if they start now and remain consistent.
DOES YOUR CHILD NEED A KIDS DENTIST?
Schedule your child’s dental appointment today for pediatric dentistry. Start your child on the right path and keep them moving forward to pristine oral health. We look forward to helping you child remain strong and avoid any of those issues the AAPD mentioned.