Parents want what’s best for their children, and many parents ask for tips on protecting their children’s oral health. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Alexander Ochoa Falla helps parents and their children know the best practices for caring for their oral health at kids’ dental appointments. In this blog, we divulge four jaw-dropping statistics about children’s oral health and present parents with the secret to protecting their children’s teeth.
More than Half of Children and Teens Have Had a Cavity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease of children in the United States. More than half of children and adolescents have had at least one cavity. Compared to higher-income households, children in low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities.
While these statistics are alarming, the good news is that cavities are preventable. Preventative treatments (like regular dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants) and diligent daily hygiene can help protect teeth from tooth decay.
Sleep Quality and Quantity are Linked to Oral Health
It’s no secret that how a child sleeps at night can make or break their day. At a molecular level, peak sleep quality and quantity synchronizes our core biological functions. Many factors can impact your child’s sleep quality, including nighttime routines, environments, stress levels, and oral hygiene.
A recent study published by Clujul Medical confirmed that disturbed sleep, aliveness, and fatigue are interlinked, and oral health status can potentially alter health status, habits, and academics. Surprisingly, students who flossed daily and maintained good oral hygiene had a better sleep and more energy.
Poor Oral Health Can Affect Academics
Did you know that poor oral health and cavities can make learning trickier and decrease academic performance? Poor oral health often flies under the radar when considering how it can affect learning.
Yet, a recent multivariate analysis revealed that children with poor oral health miss more school days and earn lower grades than those with good oral health. Dental pain can be excruciating, and children cannot learn and keep up with their peers academically if they are not in school. If you’ve ever had a toothache, you probably understand that it can be challenging to take on the day—let alone sit in a classroom and concentrate all day. Thus, it’s no surprise that poor oral health is linked to a reduced focus on academics.
Sports are a Major Cause of Dental Emergencies
If your child plays sports, keep reading. Sports-related injuries account for up to 39% of all dental injuries in children. Thankfully, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard and other protective sports gear can reduce the risk of sports-related dental emergencies, like tooth fractures and avulsions.
Taking Care of Oral Health at a Young Age Is Important
At any age, taking care of your teeth is essential, and you don’t want poor oral health to get in the way of your child’s developmental milestones and goals. The secret to optimal oral health at any age is regular visits with a pediatric dentist combined with brushing twice daily and flossing once a day are essential to maintaining good oral health.
Are you searching for an outstanding pediatric dentist in Mission, TX? If so, schedule a children’s dental visit with Dr. Ochoa at Clover Hills Dentistry. Dr. Ochoa is a board-certified pediatric dentist that treats infants, teens, and in-between. Don’t hesitate to call 956-997-9799 or message us online to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment in Mission, TX.
