Good news for little teeth
A recent CDC report found tooth decay is declining among 2 to 5 years olds, but disparities in dental care for children still exist. Learn more about the report and tips for taking care of your children's' teeth here.
Today's guest blogger is Edward Moody, DDS, who is in private practice in Morristown, Tennessee. He is the president of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and has been a member for 25 years. He is a graduate of Auburn University and the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry, and received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the Medical College of Virginia.
Many may be surprised to learn that tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the U.S. However, it appears this might be changing and there are reasons to be optimistic. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found approximately 23-percent of American children ages 2 to 5 had decay in their primary teeth in 2011-12. Previous NHANES showed tooth decay in the primary teeth of preschoolers increasing from 24-percent to 28-percent between 1999 and 2004.
The report also showed disparities in pediatric dental care still exist, but the good news is that tooth decay is almost 100-percent preventable. By practicing proper oral care and establishing a dental home (a "home base" for dental health) for children by age one, parents and caregivers can significantly increase a child's chance for healthy teeth and optimal overall health. Below are some questions you may have related to the report.
Why is preventing tooth decay in children so important?
Cavities in children have been declining since the 1960s, according to the CDC. However, socioeconomic status and geographic location continue to be factors in children's ability to receive dental care, as well as their risk for developing cavities. While considerable progress has been made on a national level in recent years to ensure all children have access to preventive oral health care, dental services are still underutilized and many children live with untreated tooth decay until it must be addressed due to pain or infection.
While establishing a dental home is important, it's equally important that parents and caregivers also help children practice consistent oral health habits. Simple activities like playing a two-minute song while children brush their teeth and monitoring snacking can help keep kids' pearly whites healthy. And don't forget: it's best to supervise brushing and flossing until children are seven to eight years old – or until they are able to tie their own shoelaces.
When it comes to teenagers, the CDC study indicated that 58-percent of adolescents age 12 to 19 had cavities. Here are some tips to share with teens to ensure a healthy smile:
Limit soda and energy drinks. Sugar in sweetened sodas and sports energy drinks can cause cavities, and acidic flavor additives can erode and damage tooth enamel.
Play safe. Teens can prevent injuries by wearing a mouth guard while playing sports. More than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year, and dentists recommend the use of mouth guards in a variety of sports activities.
Make time for healthy habits. Choose healthy snacks and keep a travel-size toothbrush in a locker or backpack.
Does my child need dental sealants?
A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic covering that helps protect against cavities and reduces the risk of tooth decay. According to the CDC report, nearly 50 percent of children ages 9 – 11, and 31-percent of children ages 6 – 8, have had at least one dental sealant. Yet according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, teeth are at the greatest risk of decay when they first come in. Therefore, the sooner sealants are applied, the better. If you're concerned that your child might be prone to cavities, it's a good idea to ask your pediatric dentist if your little one could benefit from sealants.
Where can I find dental resources?
Check out mychildrensteeth.org to use a pediatric dentist locator to find a pediatric dentist near you. Additionally, a variety of resources, including age-specific oral health tips; a brushing tracker; and a "Mouth Monster Defense Kit" can help teach children how to avoid cavities in a manner that's fun and easy to understand.
Above all else, remember: by helping your kids establish good oral habits and taking them for regular visits to the pediatric dentist, you will be giving your child a gift that will last a lifetime – a healthy smile.
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