How Badly is Tooth Decay Affecting Kids?

It is widely known that kids are some of the worst sufferers of tooth decay. But just how bad is it? Well, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States according to The New York Times. It is five times more common than asthma and 20 times more common than diabetes.

The rise of tooth decay should cause some serious concern. Children from rural and low-income backgrounds are at the highest risk for tooth decay. Kids within this demographic often don’t have access to dental care or cannot afford it.

If you want your child to avoid tooth decay, try to treat their mouths as you would treat their bodies. Overall health is important for kids, and so is oral health. Just as eating a well-balanced meal and getting enough exercise is important, so is having a solid brushing and flossing routine.

If tooth decay goes untreated, it cannot only cause cavities and gum disease but can cause infections that spread to the jaw and other bones in the face.

The best thing that you can do to prevent gum disease is to teach your kids good oral health habits while also limiting their consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Take your kids to the dentist for routine cleanings and oral health check-ups every six months and be diligent when it comes to brushing and flossing.

Preventing tooth decay is possible, and you can help save your child’s teeth.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/30/looking-a-dangerous-disease-in-the-mouth/