One of the biggest threats to a child's oral health is tooth decay. The scary truth is, many children in North America simply do not receive the dental care they need, so their oral health is permanently compromised. Seeing the dentist twice a year is critical for a healthy smile. Without proper dental treatment, children can begin to experience chronic disease in their teeth and gums. 



Frightening Statistics on Pediatric Oral Health

Starting from around the age of 1, children need to be seen by the dentist regularly. The dentist checks for signs of chronic disease, which if found can have a negative impact on the health of the child's smile. 



According to research, around 42% of children ages 2-11 have cavities in their primary teeth. Cavities in the primary teeth are easily spread and can even affect the health of the permanent teeth, leading to lifelong dental problems. 



What is even more frightening, is 23% of North American children have untreated cavities. When cavities are not properly treated, the risk of decay in other teeth becomes more pronounced. In addition, there is also an increased risk for the development of gum disease, which can occur at any age. 



Cavities Are Common Among Children 

In multiple research studies, it has been discovered the average child between the ages of 2-11 has between one and three cavities, either affecting their entire tooth or the chewing surface. 



Regrettably, children simply are not seeing the dentist as often as recommended. Low income communities seem to suffer the most, often due to a lack of insurance or funds for office visits. 



Around 21% of all children ages 6-11 have a cavity in one of their permanent teeth. The permanent tooth may be saved with a filling, however if tooth is left untreated for a long period of time the only solution may be oral surgery or extraction.


Around 16% of children do not see the dentist at least once a year and this number goes up, the older the children become. Teenagers account for the biggest percentage of children who are not under a dentist's care. 



A Lack of Dental Care Causes Problems in School 

Poor oral health can lead to missed days of school and lowered grades. Not only does a lack of dental care lead to chronic disease, but it can also cause low self-esteem issues. Children who do not have healthy teeth and gums are often embarrassed about their appearance, which can make school even more difficult. 



The average student will miss 2.2 days of school due to dental emergencies. In Canada alone, an average of 2.26 million school days are missed annually as a result of dental illness. Aside from students missing school, parents are also affected by their children’s dental problems because they must miss work to take their child to the dentist immediately during urgent situations. Many of these dental issues could be avoided with routine dental care visits, so tooth decay can be discovered and treated in its earliest stages before it leads to chronic disease. 



Tooth decay can be painful to deal with for children. When a child is hurting, they cannot adequately focus on their school work and their grades will certainly begin to suffer. For these reasons, many schools are now implementing dental care evaluations and services into their health programs, to ensure children are receiving the dental care they need. 



Understanding the Signs of Cavities 

Parents need to be proactive and ensure they are taking their child to the dentist every six months for preventative care. With routine cleanings and exams, the risk of cavities can be reduced by as much as 50% to 70%. Fluoride treatments are instrumental in protecting against tooth decay. The following are some of the warning signs a child with tooth decay may exhibit: 

• Pain and sensitivity
• Discomfort when biting down or chewing
• White or dark spots on the teeth
• Foul breath
• Swelling in the gum tissue around the tooth
• Pus drainage around the tooth


If a child is exhibiting any of the above signs, a dental appointment is needed right away. The sooner tooth decay is discovered, the better the chances the tooth will be saved. Waiting too long to seek treatment could result in tooth necrosis and the need for an extraction. 



Schedule Your Child's Dental Appointment 

It is recommended that children in North America are seen by the dentist as soon as they reach the age of 1 or within the the first six months after their first tooth has erupted. Children who receive consistent care from their dentist are more likely to have healthy smiles for life. To learn more about preventative dental care services, visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre located in South Ottawa. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child to make sure their oral health is in proper condition.