A new national survey highlights alarming gaps in parents’ knowledge when it comes to their children’s dental health. The findings reveal that while many parents recognize the risks associated with sugary beverages, misconceptions about when to initiate dental visits persist. The survey illustrates the serious state of children’s oral health and the impact this has on their general health and quality of life.
Despite the misinformation out there, our survey findings show that 87 percent of parents realize fruit juice can lead to tooth decay. Yet, despite this knowledge, 27 percent of children still drink fruit juice every day. This contradiction prompts questions regarding the ability of parental knowledge to encourage healthy eating habits among their kids.
More troubling, according to the data, is that one in three kids only visits the dentist after developing dental problems. This foreshadows a very troubling trend in children’s dental health. This typical, reactive approach to dental care today exacerbates the problem with many developing complex comorbidities. Had we intervened sooner, most of these issues would never have occurred.
Importance of Early Dental Visits
The survey provides some insight on the alarming rise in late dental visits for young children. Only twenty-five percent of parents believe age one or younger is the appropriate age for a child’s first dental visit. Dental advocates encourage a much shorter grace period. Dr. Chris Sanzaro recommends that children should visit a dentist before their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts, whichever occurs first.
“To some people that may seem a bit young. But it helps introduce the infant to the sights, sounds and sensations of the dentist, as well as helping to spot any issues early,” – Dr. Chris Sanzaro.
This upstream, proactive approach is necessary because childhood oral health complications only compound over time and affect future adult health. According to Dr. Sanzaro, baby teeth aren’t just pretty—they serve important functions, such as acting as space holders for adult teeth. So, keeping them healthy is important for a child’s future dental growth.
Oral Hygiene Practices Among Children
The survey reveals alarming oral health care statistics like the national average for children’s oral hygiene practices. Only sixty-eight percent of children brush their teeth at least two times a day. More than three-quarters aren’t flossing bravely on their own yet—or receiving assistance from adults in developing this crucial self-care routine. The American Dental Association advises that we should begin flossing for kids as soon as they have two baby teeth next to each other.
As a dentist on the frontlines of child health, Dr. Gregory Ooi is tired of seeing children suffer from dental caries, or cavities. He points out the alarming number of kids with cavities. In fact, he argues they are the most prevalent chronic health disease affecting children and adults.
“It’s a very common chronic health disease in children and adults — probably the most common,” – Dr. Gregory Ooi.
Dr. Ooi notes that while parents may be aware of brushing routines, they often overlook the importance of flossing and other oral care practices. He states, “Generally speaking, if a person is to have sugar more than four times a day and not clean the plaque off effectively, they will usually get some sort of decay on their teeth.”
Impact of Pregnancy on Dental Health
The survey points to alarming trends among expectant mothers when it comes to dental visits. Among women surveyed, three-quarters reported not having a dental check-up prior to conception. This is especially alarming as studies have connected inadequate oral health in pregnant women to low birth weight and pre-term births.
Dr. Sanzaro assures that dental examinations and treatments are generally safe during pregnancy, stating, “Dental examinations, treatments and even the majority of dental X-rays are safe while pregnant.” For expectant mothers, dental care should be essential for their developing child’s future. Still, many might be missing it due to myths about safety in pregnancy.
Charlotte O’Brien’s testimony is an example of the kind of awareness that is needed on behalf of our pediatric dentist friends. After experiencing significant decay and cavities in her young daughter’s teeth, she turned to the federal government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule for assistance with treatment costs.
“I was definitely surprised to see how much had sort of developed, being that she was so young,” – Ms. O’Brien.
She said even though her daughter completed a dental program, she was rigorous with her daughter in having her brush her teeth. She wasn’t flossing or doing other preventive measures. “But it was just brushing. There was no flossing, no mouth rinsing,” she noted, highlighting a common gap in children’s oral hygiene habits.
