Parenting is full of challenges; however, helping your child maintain a healthy and happy smile as they grow shouldn’t be a point of stress at all. Continue reading below for three must-know dental health facts concerning children – knowledge is power, and being informed will help you to make informed choices about your little one’s smile moving forward!
1. Tooth Decay Is the Most Common Childhood Disease
Believe it or not, tooth decay is the most prevalent harmful dental condition in the entire world among children. According to the CDC, 37% of children ages 2 to 8 experience tooth decay in their primary teeth, and roughly 58% of US teenagers currently have or have had tooth decay at some point in their lifetime. Even more startling, cavities are 5 times more likely than childhood asthma, and 20 times more common than diabetes!
2. Children Should Visit the Dentist by Their First Birthday
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should attend their first dental appointment no later than their first birthday – even if all of their teeth haven’t erupted! This is so that their dentist can start keeping tabs on their oral health and ensure that everything is developing properly. Remember, teeth are important for a child’s development for several reasons, such as assisting with eating and speaking. Their dentist might also identify other issues within the mouth that aren’t directly related to the teeth, such as a lip or tongue tie.
3. Children Can “Catch” Cavities from Their Parents
It might sound hard to believe, but children can actually acquire cavities from their parents; in fact, 71% of tooth decay cases in infants are caused by the transmission of bacteria from the parent to their child. The primary culprit is Streptococcus mutans, a strain of bacteria that’s passed through saliva. This means that blowing on food, sharing utensils, and even kissing can indirectly cause cavities. With that in mind, parents shouldn’t just encourage good oral hygiene for their children; they should practice it themselves!
As alarming as some of these facts may seem, it’s important to note that dental health begins at an early age – even before the teeth emerge – and by being diligent and thorough, you can ensure that your child’s smile develops happily and healthily!
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele received her DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry, now known as the Texas A&M Health Science Center at Dallas School of Dentistry, and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Her practice in Coppell offers a wide range of pediatric dental services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for your child, you can visit her practice’s website or give them a call for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 640-7432.