L.A. County has Alarming Rates of Tooth Decay Among Poor Children

Throughout February, First 5 LA promotes Children's Dental Health Month and offers tips for parents
            
LOS ANGELES---  An epidemic of tooth decay exists among young children living in Los Angeles County's poorest communities, according to a recent Children's Dental Health Study commissioned by First 5 LA, along with the Annenberg Foundation, The California Endowment and The California Wellness Foundation.

The study revealed that some 72 percent of children under age 5 in underserved communities have untreated cavities.  This is significantly higher than the national average of about 30 percent of youngsters in comparable age and income groups. The study also found that among the 72 percent with untreated cavities, 9 percent of the children needed immediate dental care within 24 hours while the others required dental care within 15 days.

Recognizing this critical problem, First 5 LA is teaming up with dental care providers throughout February, Children's Dental Health Month, to help promote good oral health care. 

According to Evelyn V. Martinez, executive director of First 5 LA, many youngsters do not visit the dentist regularly or get the dental care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy. "As a result, they are infected with dental diseases that can hurt the development of their permanent teeth, lead to painful conditions and threaten their overall health and well-being," Martinez said. "Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, occurring up to five times more frequently than asthma, and also a leading cause of absence from school."  

Martinez said the downturn in the economy has made it even more difficult for many parents to adequately care for their children's health, especially dental health.  The increase in out-of-pocket dental expenses or loss of dental insurance coverage has blocked access to dental care.
Many parents wait until their child is age 3 or 4 before they have a first dental visit, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday. For more information on children's dental health care visit: www.readysetgrowla.org/oralhealth.

First 5 LA offers tips on the best way to take care of a young child's teeth:

Birth to 12 months

• Good dental habits should begin before the first tooth appears. After feedings, gently brush your baby's gums using water on a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles. Or wipe them with a clean washcloth.
• Schedule your baby's well-child visits. During these visits, your child's doctor will check your baby's mouth.

• Brush your child's teeth two times a day using water on a baby toothbrush with soft bristles. Best times are after breakfast and before bed.
• Make sure your child doesn't drink more than one small cup of juice each day and only at mealtimes.
• Consult with your child's dentist or doctor about sucking habits. Sucking too strongly on a pacifier, a thumb or fingers can alter the shape of the mouth; how the top and bottom teeth line up.
• Schedule a dental checkup.