Only 20% Of People Floss Daily How To Cultivate Good Oral Health

What goes into creating a beautiful smile? Your teeth are one of the most vital, yet most underappreciated, tools you use every day — eating, drinking, talking and smiling just wouldn’t be possible without good oral health. For growing children, instilling healthy habits early on will help immensely in keeping them both physically and emotionally sound. Likewise, cavities and crooked teeth can become a big deal overnight if not properly checked. When taking your children to a pediatric dental practice, it’s important to teach your little ones to develop healthy dental habits outside the office to give them the best treatment possible.

Did You Know?

The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (also known as the CDC has reported nearly one out of every five American children struggling with untreated cavities — rates range from 20% of children between the ages of two and five to 22% for younger kids and older teenagers. Flossing, despite being one of the most necessary tools for a healthy mouth, is one of the least common habits among adults and children alike. Last, but not least, tooth decay has been found to be more prevalent than even allergies and diabetes.

Common Issues

Although asthma and allergies are widely considered to be the most prevalent childhood diseases, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has found tooth decay to be the most common by a landslide. Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and four times more common than early childhood obesity rates. It even strikes 20 times more frequently than diabetes! This disease is caused by routine lack of care, eroding the gums and causing severe pain that can leak into the jawline and neck area if not treated. However, there’s no reason to fear — instilling healthy habits early on is the most foolproof method of preventing tooth decay and gingivitis.

Healthy Habits

Taking your children to a pediatric dental practice is only half the battle on their way to proper oral health. Although one out of every four kids has never been to a dentist before they set foot in a kindergarten classroom, dental problems can still occur even with routine visits. Healthy habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, will go a long way in tackling plaque, cavities and gum disease. Surveys have shown only 22% of people claiming to floss every day, with another 75% not replacing their toothbrushes nearly as often as they should.

Unhealthy Habits

Likewise, there are plenty of unhealthy habits that can exacerbate small problems and cause major pains. Regular flossing is necessary to clean out hard-to-reach areas and avoid plaque and bacteria build-up. Excess sugar and fats in a child’s diet can lead to poor health, so fruits and vegetables should be a routine staple. Adults should curb smoking, as the chemicals in cigarettes can lead to yellowing, gum damage and tooth decay in the long-term.

Proper Dental Care

A pediatric dental practice will tackle common tooth problems and encourage a healthier, happier smile for your child. Regular visits are a must for the basics, ranging from wisdom teeth surgery to general cavities, and you can teach your children how to keep their mouth healthy in the meantime. The average time people wait for another dental appointment is around three years. A lot can happen in that time! Nearly 80% of people get a cavity, if not several, by the time they’re 17 years old. Teach your kids good oral health now so they can be confident and healthy adults down the road.