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Brushing your teeth is important to maintaining good oral health, but like most health issues, the full story is more complicated.
as directors Center for Oral Health Research in AppalachiaAs part of the Pittsburgh School of Dentistry, we know firsthand that there is a huge disparity when it comes to oral health, including children. Some people or groups have more oral health problems than others due to a combination of factors beyond personal dental hygiene.
» Read more: Yes, you should brush your child’s teeth. Although they may fail.
For example, Appalachia—which stretches from northern Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia to southern New York and includes all of West Virginia—has one. One of the biggest burdens of oral health problems in a person In America.
This is a chronic but often preventable problem.
While the terms dental hygiene and dental health mostly focus on teeth and gums, Oral health It is more comprehensive. As of 2011 FDI World Dental FederationOral health includes: Correct mouth functionIncluding “painless and uncomfortable communication of the sensations of talking, smiling, smelling, tasting, touching, chewing, swallowing, and various facial expressions.” Oral health affects more than just one’s teeth. As well as general well-being and quality of life.
Tooth decay It affects children across the US, but very little attention is paid to how preventable and treatable it is. Kavas or karis are the most common Chronic disease in children – Five times It is more common and seven times more common than asthma It can be prevented rather than environmental allergies. great 40% of children have tooth decay When they start kindergarten.
However, people with low formal education or low income; Marginalized ethnic and racial groups And people who live in more rural areas like Appalachia tend to get it. More oral health problems than othersAnd At a young age. of More prevalence of childhood tooth decay It is not only injustice in certain populations, but also a serious public health problem. Oral health problems can develop early in life into adulthood and last a lifetime.
It’s a common misconception that only sugary foods and drinks cause tooth decay. Although that is undoubtedly a problem, there is much more to oral health. It includes Consistent brush and brush; Eating healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables; Avoiding tobacco products; And wearing mouth guards when playing certain sports. Regular visit to the dentist They are important because they provide an opportunity for cleaning and preventive care.
Oral health in children a A reflection of their general health and their families; But in addition to behavioral and social influences, genetic and other biological factors are also at play. for example, Genes influencing taste preferences – such as sweets – are associated with certain teeth and gaps in the teeth. Perhaps our taste genes make some of us prefer sweet foods and drinks, which is a risk for cavities.
» Read more: Are high-tech toothbrushes really better than freebies at the dentist’s office?
Bacteria and other microorganisms in the mouthThe oral microbiome also plays a role. Some parts The oral microbiome is important And good oral health is also needed. other Bacteria They are invaders that can cause oral disease.
Just as important Environmental conditionsAir quality, access to healthy foods, dental care costs, dentist transportation and drop-off services, and school-based programs that promote good oral hygiene among children. Access to fluoridated water or fluoride treatment is also important, eg Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. Water quality It is another reason in communities. If the only water is toxic or unappealing, people may turn to soda and other sugary drinks.
in addition, Maternal social support And Parents’ social networks They can affect the oral health of their children. Among mothers with a large number of pits, the presence Someone to talk about problems It has been shown to be associated with a few cavities in their children.
Oral health of parents and caregivers They have a great influence on their children. Children and their parents typically drink the same water and many of the same beverages and eat many of the same foods. Children often follow their parents’ dental hygiene habits. Children usually take their parents and caregivers Feelings about dental visitsAlso – discomfort, anxiety, worry or fear.
Parents’ dental care influences their decisions about preventive care. Dental fear and anxiety can lead to delays or avoidance of dental appointments for themselves and their children. “Oral health values“- the importance of maintaining natural and beautiful teeth – influences decision-making about dental hygiene and professional dental care. Depression in parents They can affect dental hygiene and oral health and their children.
Dental problems in children It can lead to absenteeism from school, pain and embarrassment over visible decay, and missing or crooked teeth. Teeth and gums are important for speaking, eating, growing and looking. They affect social functioning and enjoyment of food. Children’s dental problems also affect their parents, as parents may suddenly lose work to bring their child to the dentist.
At a high level, Dental problems in children can be prevented. Some protective measures are affected Economic, educational and health care reasons. One of the best things parents or caregivers can do is connect with their child’s dentist, practice, office or clinic to promote prevention but also provide emergency care if needed. In the world of oral health, this connection is called “”.Dental clinicHe said. of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry And other professional health organizations recommend that children see an oral health care provider at their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts. Access to dental care, especially preventive care, has been shown Improving oral health in the family And their community.
System-level changes Indeed, they are needed. Because the cost affects parents’ ability to provide regular dental care for their children, greater access to dental insurance is an important step to ensure equal access and reduce oral health inequities. Integrate oral health practices Schools and educational programs It is another system-level change that benefits all children, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status.
Oral health is an important factor in a person’s overall health. Teaching children this early can help them develop a healthy smile and maintain pearly whites throughout their lives.
Daniel W. McNeill is the Eberly Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Clinical Professor of Dentistry and Professional Practice at West Virginia University. Mary L. Marazita is director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics; Professor of Oral Biology and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences.
This article was reprinted from The conversation.
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