It probably wouldn’t come as a surprise if you heard that childhood caries (tooth decay) was a serious problem in third world countries. But what if you were told that it was a serious problem right here in the U.S.? Well it is. Why is tooth decay serious? Because you need your teeth to eat. You need healthy strong teeth to be able to crunch on healthy fruits and vegetables. You need strong teeth to eat an apple, and a simple apple contains vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B-6, dietary fiber, phytonutrients, calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. Each and every one these vitamins and nutrients helps keep your body healthy. If a child cannot bite an apple, look at all the health benefits that child misses. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart talks straight facts about childhood caries.
Straight Facts
- American families do not consider tooth health as important as overall health. This is evident in the fact that nearly 90 percent of children see a physician before they turn one-years-old. Yet, only 1.5 percent of children visit their dentist before their first birthday.
- At any given time over 16 million children in the U.S. lack dental care.
- Left untreated, childhood tooth decay can seriously impact a child’s life. Chronic tooth decay can affect a child’s social growth, self-confidence, and cognitive development.
- Results of chronic decay, or infection due to chronic decay, include speech impairments, learning impairments, difficulty concentrating, and lack of focus.
- Chronic childhood caries can lead to malnutrition due to tooth loss, pain upon chewing, sensitivity to heat and cold, or inability to chew due to loose or decayed teeth.
- Chronic childhood tooth decay can lead to bacterial infections and death.
To combat the startling facts associated with childhood caries make dental health as much of a priority as your overall health, and bring your child to their first dental visit before their first birthday.
About Dr. Stewart
James R. Stewart, Jr, DDS, PC and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. If it’s time for a professional cleaning, call our office today at (734) 425-4400, to schedule an appointment.