Tooth Decay: Big Reason for Kids to Visit Dentists

What does tooth decay have in common with the common cold? They’re two of the biggest reasons why American children skip school every year. The situation is much worse than what parents might think: more than 25 percent of kids aged two to five, and at least 50 percent of children between 12 and 15 suffer from tooth decay. These numbers go as high as 80 percent in some places like North Philadelphia.

There are a lot of reasons for these staggering statistics. Aside from the fact that many households in the U.S. lack dental coverage, children are also often exposed to tooth decay-causing substances like candies, sodas, citrus fruits, and even bread. The sugar content of these foods can lead to tooth decay and cause cavities. Lack of proper oral hygiene is also a major factor.

Some may argue that it is “normal” for children to suffer from tooth decay, simply because their baby teeth are significantly weaker than the permanent teeth that they’ll eventually grow. That may be true to some extent, but it’s also important for people to know that decayed milk teeth can also result in more serious complications later in life. There are numerous studies that link childhood tooth decay with stroke, pneumonia, poor pregnancy outcomes, and similar health conditions in adult life.