Few parents realize that tooth decay in infants and children can stunt development and cause behavioral problems and malnourishment.
Called the "silent epidemic" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. It is five times more prevalent than asthma, and more than 40 percent of U.S. children have had cavities by the time they reach kindergarten.
Studies over the last decade have shown that children in Washington state are at greater risk for dental disease than the rest of the country. Fifty-nine percent of elementary school-age children in Washington have had dental decay, compared to the national average of 52 percent.
Education and income are two factors that contribute to access to dental care. Children from low-income families are three times more likely to have untreated dental disease. In King County, less than four in 10 children enrolled in Medicaid received any dental services in 2009.
Health complications
During periods of economic downturn, many families make tough decisions on where to cut expenses. Unfortunately, in many cases, children's dental care is often considered optional or a secondary health expense.
The reality is dental checkups for infants and children are critical. It is extremely important for parents to begin their children's dental examinations at age 1 and continue twice a year, or as recommended by the dentist, throughout life. Serious health complications can arise otherwise.
Tooth nerves are close to the brain's blood supply. Infections in this area can be life-threatening. In 2007, 12-year-old Deamonte Driver died from a brain infection that began as an untreated abscessed tooth.
While death is uncommon, serious complications associated with dental disease are unfortunately widespread. When children have cavities it can be more difficult for them to eat, which increases their risk for malnourishment. Without proper nutrients, the brain doesn't get what it needs to mature, stunting development.
Additionally, a hungry child has more difficulty concentrating in school than a nourished one, which impedes learning. Dental disease can also delay speech development.
For many years, the common misconception was that baby teeth don't matter, and if a child loses them early due to cavities, it is inconsequential. But baby teeth are extremely important to a child's development. If infants or toddlers lose them prematurely due to tooth decay, their permanent teeth may come in early and in the wrong places, causing future orthodontic problems.
Prevention tips
Tooth decay is nearly 100-percent preventable. Here are easy steps that parents should follow to protect their child's baby teeth during the critical early years:
·Get an oral health examination by the first birthday. Continue dental checkups two times a year for life.
·Beginning at birth, wipe your baby's gums with a washcloth or piece of gauze after feeding.
·Brush your baby's teeth with a soft toothbrush twice daily as soon as you see the first tooth, usually around 6 months.
·Use just a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste - the size of a grain of rice. Try putting your child's head in your lap to make it easier to brush their teeth.
·Avoid constant snacking on sticky or starchy foods or sipping sweet liquids throughout the day.
·Choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits or vegetables. Avoid snacks that are sugary, starchy or sticky.
·If you put your baby to bed with a bottle, fill it with water.
·Ask your dentist or physician about fluoride varnish, a quick and effective way to help prevent cavities and even reverse early decay.
DR. JOEL BERG is the director of The Center for Pediatric Dentistry, a partnership between the University of Washington and Seattle Children's that opened to the public on Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.thecenterforpediatricdentistry.com.[[In-content Ad]]
