As you leave the dentist, you have to stop by the desk to schedule a filling, because it’s finally happened: your child has their first cavity.

            Maybe they’re two, maybe they’re five, maybe they’ve made it to eight before getting their first one. But chances are, this won’t be their last.

 Keeping kids’ mouths healthy is a notoriously difficult task. There are bedtime battles over brushing teeth, kids who tell you that they flossed but secretly hid the floss stick to make you think they did, and a host of other struggles. It’s not for the faint of heart! But it is an incredibly important task. Today we’ll explore some common problems that result from poor oral hygiene in children, and cover a few strategies for preventing these problems before they can set in.

The Problems

According to the CDC, the most common chronic disease of childhood is not the cold or the flu, but cavities. They report, “More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth. More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.” Maintaining a healthy mouth for your kid is no easy task!

The consequences of poor oral health, however, might be more severe than you realized. When a child has poor oral hygiene, they are at higher risk for these problems, and many others.

School Absenteeism

            Without proper dental care, it turns out that a child’s school attendance is likely to suffer. As the CDC reported, “Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.” A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine found kids with poor oral health to be nearly three times more likely to miss school because of dental pain than their counterparts. (NCBI)

On the other hand, that does mean that improving your child’s oral health can be a means of improving their education as well. According to HealthWorksCollective, “Good oral hygiene can…reduce the number of sick days your child misses school because it boosts their immune system function.”

Digestive Problems

            Did you know that a lack of proper dental care could hurt your child’s digestive system? Because a kid’s digestive system is still developing, it’s especially sensitive to upset. Research notes, “When teeth and gums aren’t taken care of properly, bacteria can travel from their mouth to other parts of their body.” Unfortunately, the stomach and intestines are no exception. When bacteria makes it there, it’s bad news for a kid’s digestive system.

             And that’s not all. If you’ve ever tried to eat something too cold or too hot or too sticky with a cavity, you know the pain. When a child is suffering from dental problems, they’re less likely to chew their food properly due to pain in their teeth. This is a big problem for their digestive tract. HealthWorksCollective again reports, “ Improper chewing of food is one of the leading causes of digestive issues and will lead to a series of problems like bloating, constipation, and gas.”

Poor Concentration

            Why can’t my kid just focus? That might be the question you ask yourself when the teacher reports yet again that your son or daughter wasn’t concentrating in class. But there may be a hidden factor at work.

            If they’re suffering from dental problems, it can be understandably difficult for the child to focus on anything but the pain and inflammation they’re feeling. Studies report. “Children and adolescents with oral health problems are more likely to have problems at school and less likely to do all homework, compared to those without oral health problems.” The pain seems all-consuming, causing distraction from play and learning.

The Solutions

            We’ve just skimmed the surface of the problems that insufficient oral hygiene can cause a young child. Here are some simple ways to prevent that damage.

Watch them brush.

The CDC recommends that help your child brush their teeth until good brushing habits have been established. Continue to watch them brush until they are at least six years old.

Drink fluoridated tap water.

Fluoride is a mineral that plays a major role in boosting oral health. Studies have shown that kids whose water is fluoridated have less cavities than kids whose water is not. To tell if your water is fluoridated or not, go to CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride website. If your water is below the optimal level, (O.7 milligrams per liter), speak to your dentist about whether your child needs fluoride supplements.

Take them to the dentist regularly.

It’s important to schedule regular visits to the dentist, both to fix problems and for preventative care! If your child does develop a cavity, the sooner your dentist can fix it, the better. Your dentist can also provide dental sealants if deemed necessary. When applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, the CDC reports that dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities.

Healthy, Happy Kids

            Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just mean getting a cavity.

It comes at a real cost to the child—to their comfort, their learning, their development, their self-esteem and general performance. Failure to train a child to take care of their teeth properly can come with long-lasting consequences.

Thankfully, these problems are not inevitable. It’s never too early to start teaching your child the importance of taking care of their teeth! Through care and intentionality, your child’s health can be protected.

Talk to your dentist today if you have concerns about the way your child’s oral health may be impacting them, or if you would like to consider options such as dental sealants or fluoride treatments. If you simply need to schedule your next appointment, please contact our office as well. We want to help you have healthy and happy kids!