Children’s Dental Health
By: Simi Patel
Growing up mostly all parents make their kids go to the dentists for yearly checkups to make sure their teeth are in proper condition. Even though some kids hate going to the dentist and having to get an x-ray taken, oral health is really important for people of all age groups, especially children.
Having bad oral and dental health can impact kids not only through their health but also through their social and educational lives. A study conducted by the CDC shows how cavities, which are the most chronic childhood disease, cause kids to miss school and receive lower grades more frequently than kids who don’t have cavities. Oral problems such as cavities are easily preventable with proper dental care for kids, encouraged by their parents, and frequent visits to the dentists.
Infants around the age of 1-2 years old should be given soft toothbrushes and as they grow older parents should teach them how to correctly spread toothpaste around their tongues, teeth, and gums so their mouth can be correctly cleaned. One way to encourage little kids to brush their teeth two times a day is to let them choose their own toothpaste and toothbrush that appeal to them. They should also drink tap water that contains fluoride to help strengthen their teeth. Parents can also limit the sugar intake of their kids which is the main cause of cavities. For instance avoiding or limiting sugary foods, soda, candies, and sweetened drinks can bring a positive impact on their teeth. Safety is also a major part of dental hygiene. Kids that play sports should wear mouth guards to protect their mouth and teeth from severe injuries. Visiting the dentist twice a year and following these few steps can help insure good oral health and vanish the fear of cavities from kids!
Effects of Candy on Children’s Dental Health
By: Prajna D
Halloween is a day most kids look forward to each year. A day where taking candy from strangers is socially acceptable and fun. Buckets of candy are taken home each year from this quirky holiday. Most people know candy is not good for you, especially your teeth. So, how bad does Halloween affect dental health?
Sugar negatively affects the acidity in the mouth. Bacteria in the mouth that feeds on sugar create a resistant substance on the teeth known as plaque. This plaque cannot be brushed away. If the plaque is not removed by a dentist, it can create an acidic environment and break known the enamel on teeth. Additionally, harmful bacteria are attracted to sugar and can create several issues in the mouth such as gum disease and gum recession.
Whenever kids visit the dentist, they are terrified of being told that they have cavities. Yet, they continue to eat sugar without realizing that candy could be responsible for their fears. Sugar produces acid in the mouth that then breaks down enamel creating cavities. Cavities can lead to tooth decay which can lead to tooth abscesses that require extraction.
There are several healthier sources of sweet treats. These include smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and trail mix. Opting for these healthier options can greatly reduce sugar intake while satisfying a sweet tooth. It is also important to brush often, especially after consuming sugary candy or drinks.
Although Halloween is a fun holiday to spend with family and friends, it is important to remember the consequences associated with eating too much candy.
Work cited:
Children’s Dental Health
1. “Children’s Dental Health.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/features/childrens-dental-health.html. Accessed 6 February 2022.
2. “Children’s Oral Health | Basics | Children’s Oral Health | Division of Oral Health.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html. Accessed 6 February 2022.
3. “Dental Hygiene: How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth – familydoctor.org.” FamilyDoctor.org, 19 March 2020, https://familydoctor.org/dental-hygiene-how-to-care-for-your-childs-teeth/. Accessed 6 February 2022.
Effects of Candy on Children’s Dental Health
University General Dentists Team Member. (2021, June 8). How Does Sugar Affect Your Teeth.https://utknoxvilledentists.com/how-does-sugar-affect-your-teeth/#:~:text=Sugar%20attracts%20bad%20bacteria,hold%20your%20teeth%20into%20place.
Dental Choice, (n.d.) The Dangers of Sugar for Your Teeth. https://www.dentalchoice.ca/dangers-sugar-teeth/
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