Tooth decay is nothing to smile about, and yet it affects several children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of kids with decaying baby teeth increased over the last few years. This is after it experienced a downward trend until the mid-1990s.
The CDC data from 1999 to 2004 revealed that over 40% of children between 2 and 11 years old had primary tooth decay. In Idaho, more children experience less tooth decay than in previous years. That’s according to the state’s 2013 Smile report.
Still, 21% of its third-grade students had untreated dental caries (or tooth decay). Around 4%, meanwhile, experienced decay in more than three of their teeth.
Why Are Many Children Have Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is prevalent in the United States for a variety of reasons. One, not many parents are aware of the dental guidelines. For example, children should already meet a family dentist in Meridianbefore they reach two years old.
The American Academy Pediatrics recommends having their teeth checked within six months after the first tooth had erupted. Dentists also need to monitor or correct malocclusions (or teeth misalignments) as they, too, can contribute to the increased risks of dental cavity formation.
Another culprit is sugar, specifically added sugars. Children these days have easy access to sugar-laden foods and beverages. These can include cereals, carton juices, and snacks.
They can get hold of these foods not only in schools but also in their homes. Sugar can lead to tooth decay since it interacts with the bacteria that cause plaques. Together, they produce acids, which weaken the teeth’s enamel.
The Impact of Tooth Decay on Children
Parents should never take dental cavities sitting down because of their huge negative impact on their kids. One, untreated tooth decay can become irreversible. Worse, it can result in the deterioration of the gums. They can recede, leading to dental malformation and susceptibility to infection.
Tooth decay can cause pain, and it might force children to skip school. In North Carolina, kids with poor dental health are four times more likely to be absent. A California study, meanwhile, revealed that teens with dental pain were also over three times more likely to score a lower grade-point average than children with good oral health.
Studies also connect tooth decay to low self-esteem. A 2017 study in theJournal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research showed that adolescents equate their looks with their facial characteristics. These include their teeth.
Those who had dental issues such as malocclusions or untreated tooth decay were more likely to see themselves as less attractive. These were also individuals who might report experiencing low self-esteem.
When it comes to tooth decay, especially among children, prevention will always be better than cure. In many cases, it’s even cheaper. For instance, you can spend less with a dental sealant than with a filling of cavities. States like Idaho have dental health projects intended for children. As a parent, however, you can be proactive, beginning with seeing your family dentist regularly.