Dentists Claim Tooth Decay In Children Is Rising

Dentists Claim Tooth Decay In Children Is Rising

by

Abigail Aaronson

In what can only be seen as a startling failure to educate both parents and young people on the importance of good hygiene habits, new studies are showing that tooth decay is on the rise for the younger set. Not just children, but those who still have their baby teeth.

It was not that long ago that few children were susceptible to tooth decay before their permanent teeth came in, at least not in developed countries. This has changed as of late. Dentists and researchers say that the study s results are directly caused by young children consuming too much sugar.

Along with condemning sugar, the studies have shown that both adults and children are becoming less and less familiar with their local dentists. Appointments are down considerably as people of all ages choose to skip out on their dental health. Many worry that this trend is indicative of rising health care costs, along with the sense that as long as they are brushing and flossing at home, then regular trips to the dental office aren t as necessary.

But there are flaws in this reasoning, say dentists. For one, people typically aren t as good at regular brushing and flossing as they may think they are. For instance, quick studies have shown that people miss up to fifty percent of the food and plaque on their teeth after a round of brushing.

This is due to improper technique and not taking enough time at the sink. Flossing has never been particularly popular and is often done incorrectly as well. Even performed perfectly, brushing and flossing alone are not enough and cannot hold a candle to what they can do combined with a twice yearly professional cleaning.

Dentists more or less agree, however, that sugary foods and drinks are responsible for the rise in children s tooth decay. More foods than ever before come with sugars both hidden and obvious and parents are less likely to ensure their children are eating a healthy diet. This not only leads to tooth decay, it plays an enormous role in contributing to childhood diabetes and obesity.

So what can parents do to prevent this from happening to their children? Set a good example when it comes to brushing and flossing. Monitor your children s eating habits and set rules governing the types of foods, drinks, and snacks they can eat. Make sure they get in to see the dentist at least once every six months and ask him to teach your children everything he can about developing lifelong dental habits that will prevent cavities and gum disease.

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