Baby Tooth Decay on the Rise

Tooth decay is a painful and costly problem and, according to a report released last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most adults in the United States are happily experiencing less of this pain in the mouth than ever. Unfortunately, the same study shows tooth decay for children is on the rise. The report, "Trends in Oral Health Status: United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004," is the most comprehensive assessment of oral health data to date and shows that tooth decay for children ages two to five increased from 24 percent to 28 percent.Because primary teeth, or baby teeth, are inevitably replaced by permanent ones, it can be tempting to dismiss the increase in tooth decay among young children. But experts warn that the damage a child suffers from early tooth decay can have lasting effects. "Tooth decay at a young age endangers the well-being of the child at later ages. Early tooth loss can lead to crowding, delayed eruption of permanent teeth, and can begin a lifetime of dental anxiety," said Nancy Reifel, an Assistant Researcher at the UCLA Schools of Public Health and Community Dentistry.Experts agree that the negative trend in tooth decay among young children is preventable. "Tooth decay in primary teeth is caused by a combination of things, including poor diet, a lack of oral hygiene, a lack of exposure to fluoride and not having access to dental services," said Dr. Marvin Marcus, a Professor of Public Health and Community Dentistry at UCLA Schools of Dentistry and Public Health.Reifel reminds that sweet snacks like raisins, cereals, and peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches can promote tooth decay and should be avoided. Parents must moderate their child’s diet, help their child brush daily, and seek dental care immediately if they become aware of problems. Also, children should start to visit the dentist by age 1.To address this issue, First 5 LA has recently partnered with community health insurance administrator L.A. Care to offer free dental services to children ages 0-5. Through six grantee sites, the Oral Health Initiative expects to serve more than 10,000 children by 2009.For more information on how to access a children’s dentist call (888) FIRST5LA.