Exploring the Surge in Untreated Dental Decay Among Children: A Critical Analysis by Amanda Hill, RDH

February marks the observance of Children’s Dental Health Month by the American Dental Association (ADA). Originating as a single day event in 1941, it expanded to encompass the entire month by 1981.

Yet, despite these efforts, the prevalence of dental issues among children remains concerning.

According to data from the CDC spanning from 2011 to 2016, 23% of children aged 2-5 experienced cavities. The Care Quest Institute for Oral Health underscores the persistence of early childhood caries as a prevalent, preventable infectious disease in the United States.

Alarming rates of dental decay in kids

In light of the noticeable rise in untreated dental decay among children, Amanda Hill, RDH, delves into potential factors contributing to this concerning trend.

Annually, Amanda engages in educational sessions at preschools and kindergartens, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and making healthy dietary choices.

However, during this year’s visits, she was alarmed by the noticeable prevalence of untreated dental decay among children, even with just a cursory examination.

This trend is particularly perplexing given that many of the schools she visits are situated in affluent areas where access to dental care is typically not an issue.

Some reasons why kids are getting more cavities

Avoiding treatment for decay in baby teeth

If you’re not a dentist, it might seem logical to assume that cavities in baby teeth are unimportant since they will eventually fall out.

However, this assumption is far from accurate.

It overlooks the fact that cavities in baby teeth can lead to infection in the developing permanent teeth within a child’s jaw. In reality, adult teeth are susceptible to cavities even before they surface.

So, what steps can you take to prevent cavities in your child’s baby teeth?

Poverty

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) highlighted in their 2019 report, “State of Little Teeth,” that while there has been a decrease in tooth decay, a significant proportion of children still experience dental issues, with poverty exacerbating the situation.

COVID-19 pandemic

Notably, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to dental care for these preschoolers is a concern, as the AAPD recommends dental screenings by the age of one.

Children’s Dental Zone is a judgement free zone! If you fell off track with your kids’ check-ups, please call us today to schedule! We do have summertime appointments available, but they won’t last long!

Fluoride treatments for kids

The debate surrounding fluoride usage in drinking water and toothpaste further complicates the landscape.
Depending on parental beliefs and preferences, some may choose to avoid fluoride, necessitating alternative strategies for preventing dental decay, such as nanohydroxyapatite, arginine, or xylitol-based products.

Children’s Dental Zone in Johns Creek is now offering nanohydroxyapatite products as a fluoride alternative.

Infrequent x-rays or avoiding x-rays altogether

Typically, children require x-rays more frequently than adults due to the rapid growth and transformation of their mouths. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-ray evaluations every six months for children at high risk of tooth decay, while those at low risk need them less frequently.

Digital dental x-rays for kids have many benefits and have less radiation than many other types of x-rays. Children’s Dental Zone is proud to offer digital x-rays, which are 80% less radiation than traditional x-rays.

X-rays help our doctors diagnosis tooth decay, but possibly more important, they help our doctors uncover unexpected developmental differences, such as congenitally missing teeth.

Dietary habits and kid’s cavities

Dietary habits also contribute significantly to oral health, with sugary snacks and beverages being pervasive culprits. Encouraging healthier snack options and reducing juice consumption can mitigate this risk. Our highly skilled team of pediatric specialists at Children’s Dental Zone have put together a list of better dietary options for your kids – please be sure to ask for your copy when you’re in the office next.

It’s time to emphasize great oral health habits for your kids

Ultimately, her experiences underscore the importance of promoting good oral health practices among children and caregivers.
At each check-up and cleaning appointment, our licensed dental hygienists will review and recommend customized oral hygiene instructions for your child, because we know one size does not fit all when it comes to kids!

Your Johns Creek Children’s Dentists Are Here for You!

To schedule your children’s dental appointments, call Children’s Dental Zone today at 770-777-1222 or message us online. We partner with parents and caregivers to help kids establish good oral health habits early in life.

Good oral home care, combined with regular check-ups and cleanings, will set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Sources

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/x-rays/
2. Oral Health Surveillance Report: Trends in Dental Caries and Sealants, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 1999–2004 to 2011–2016
3. https://www.carequest.org/about/blog-post/expanding-integration-and-access-childrens-dental-health
4. https://www.mychildrensteeth.org/healthy-new-years-resolutions-check-off-your-first-visit-to-the-pediatric-dentist/
5. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoride
6. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/how-fluoride-fights-cavities