Cavities more common in younger children
Dentists in Canada have reported a significant increase in the number of younger children with dental cavities.
Research carried out five years ago indicated that cavities amongst children were becoming less common; however, dentists have indicated that they are seeing an increasing number of young children with cavities and tooth decay. Decay is falling amongst older children, aged over 5; however, in contrast, cavities amongst children under the age of 5 are increasingly prevalent.
Dentists have blamed the recent rise in cavities in toddlers and young children on a poor diet and a lack of proper oral hygiene; nowadays, children are surrounded by a huge range of fizzy drinks, sweets, chocolates, biscuits and cakes and parents are finding it increasingly difficult to say no when their children demand these types of food. Childhood obesity is also increasing at an alarming rate and this could have really serious implications for the health of the nation in the future.
Experts have urged parents and teachers to teach children about the dangers of eating an unhealthy diet that is high in sugar, salt and cholesterol; obesity contributes to an array of serious health conditions, including diabetes, strokes, heart disease and cancer. Dental health issues, including severe tooth decay and gum disease are also indicators of poor general health and recently a connection between poor oral health and heart disease has been confirmed. Sweet foods should be given to children as a treat, rather than a staple of their daily diet; eating too much sugar leads to peaks and troughs in the blood sugar level, which can have an impact on behaviour and mood.
In addition to healthy eating, it is important that children learn how to brush their teeth and clean their mouth thoroughly from an early age. Children should be encouraged to brush their teeth as soon as their teeth start to develop; when children are very young, they will need help but teaching them from an early age will encourage them to develop an effective oral hygiene routine which will enable them to enjoy good oral health throughout their childhood and their adult life.
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