Statistics for Children’s Dental Health

Mint Dental has designed this infographic with the goal of teaching children, in a fun and creative way, about teeth and how to keep them clean.

The first thing we want to touch on are some truly alarming statistics surrounding children. Unfortunately, tooth decay is the single most common chronic infection in kids in the United States, even though it is almost completely preventable.

It also can drastically affect a child’s attendance at school. The 42% of kids from age 2-11 that suffer from tooth decay are almost three times more likely to miss school. This adds up to 51 million hours of lost school time each year.

Signs of Bad Dental Health

Along with following a normal brushing, flossing, and dental check up routine there are six signs that you child might be developing some oral health issues. Some are easy to spot; some require the trained eye of a dentist.

Sensitive Teeth

If you child complains about any pain while consuming hot, cold or acidic foods or beverages you should visit your dentist, this often is an early warning sign.

Bad Breath

Another early warning sign is bad breath. This could just be due to a skipped brushing or could be a chronic condition due to built up food particles and bacterial growth.

Tender Gums

Tender, puffy gums that bleed easily can either be a sign of periodontists or gingivitis, both serious dental that can lead to bone and tooth decay. These conditions can generally be reversed if you consult your dental professional early enough.

Plaque

This film builds up on our teeth as a combination of bacteria and sugars and is the number one cause of cavities and gum disease.

Cavities

Damaged areas on your teeth develop into small holes that will gradually get worse if not taken care of early. This can lead to serious pain if left unchecked.

Food for Kids to Avoid or Limit

While a good routine that involves brushing, flossing and cleanings will go a long way to ensuring dental health, you can also save yourself a lot of pain by avoiding certain foods.

The biggest culprit is sugar and foods that contain a high quantity of this substance. These include hard candies, chocolate, cupcakes, cakes and most bakery items like pastries or donuts. Most people are not surprised by this list, but they often forget about the sugar hiding in their drinks.

Soda is the #1 offender when it comes to sugary drinks, but things like coffee creamers, iced tea, and even juices are often packed with extra sugar to improve their taste.