Your child’s teeth are important for more than just a beautiful smile. Even though their primary teeth eventually fall out, they serve an important role in your child’s oral health and development. Did you know dental issues can also lead to bad grades? The biggest threat to your child’s smile is tooth decay. While cavities are preventable, at least 20% of children under the age of 11 have at least one that hasn’t been treated. If it’s left brewing in their mouth, it can cause an unexpected visit to their dentist in Houston. You can help prevent toothaches and dental emergencies from interrupting your child’s school year by keeping their smile healthy.
Childhood Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is preventable with the right oral hygiene habits at home and routine care from a dentist. Unfortunately, cavities are 5 times more common than asthma. Tooth decay is the leading chronic health condition American children face.
There are several factors contributing to decay in young smiles, like improper brushing and flossing techniques, a poor diet, or infrequent dental appointments. Any of these issues can cause your child to develop a cavity, which can go undetected until it turns into a big problem.
Tooth Decay and Academics
Your child’s school attendance is essential to their academic success. School absences can quickly cause them to fall behind. While you might believe illness is the leading reason children miss school, it’s actually from dental issues, like toothaches caused by decay.
An untreated cavity can quickly turn into a painful dental emergency that requires immediate care. If the decay has reached the inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp, your child may need a root canal. The endodontic procedure can save their tooth, but it will require more than 1 appointment to complete. As a result, your child will miss several days of school rehabilitating their smile when it could have easily been avoided.
If your child has poor dental health, it can also affect their self-esteem. This can cause them to isolate themselves from their peers. Overall, your child’s school experience can suffer if they are embarrassed by their teeth.
Combating Childhood Tooth Decay
Although tooth decay is common, there are several things you can do to promote a cavity-free smile. To ensure your child maintains healthy teeth, it’s best to:
- Encourage a regular brushing schedule in the morning and at night.
- Encourage your child to floss their teeth nightly.
- Limit their diet of sugary foods and drinks.
- Promote a balanced diet.
- Schedule semi-annual appointments for a cleaning and checkup.
Simple changes will improve your child’s oral health while also giving them the foundation they need to thrive during the school year ahead.
About Dr. Cher Rich
Dr. Rich studied dentistry at the University of Texas Houston Dental School. Upon earning her dental degree, she regularly continues her training to help her patients reach and maintain optimal oral health. If it’s time for your child’s routine visit or you have concerns about their dental health, contact our office today.