Fact or Fiction: Number 1 Infectious Disease In Children Is Tooth Decay

by Andrea L. Algar

An recent article on OregonLive.com made the bold headline that the "No 1 infectious disease among kids is tooth decay; early dentist visit matters," sparking more than a few comments about how true this claim may be, or whether it was "propaganda". I was a bit surprised by the skepticism so I decided to do some research.

Early Dental Care
Essential To Good Health

Common sense would seem to suggest that, sure, the earlier a child is introduced to the dentist, the greater the chances are that he/she will not develop any unrealistic fears, receive good oral health training, and perhaps do a better job of brushing and flossing.  And, research does seem to back up the claims that the earlier we involve our children in dental care, the better. The ultimate goal, of course, would be to have our children develop such good dental care habits that they do not develop any cavities and end up with a mouth full of beautiful, healthy teeth.

But even in today' advanced society, there is controversy. And it certainly exists when it comes to dental advice. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) published report on the state of oral health of children in the United States seemed to strike a nerve for some. The report concluded, "Tooth decay has become epidemic among our youngest children." It went on to express fears that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may actually worsen the trend, and concluded, "What is most frustrating for our organization, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), is most tooth decay is preventable."

The AAPD hopes that by launching their new educational campaign, more people will learn the importance of teaching our children good oral hygiene early on. They say that children should be learning these skills as early as one year of age. Does the AAPD have an "agenda"? Well, yes! I think they hope to spread the message that early intervention is key in preventing a lot of common dental problems that, if left untreated, can become serious health issues.

The actual report (see link below) contains 149 reference citations supporting their claims. And, their findings seem to be backed up by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA). The AAPD research demonstrated the importance of good oral health and how something as "simple" as a cavity can have long-term consequences such as:

• dental pain
• ear, sinus and brain infections
• chewing difficulty
• loss of teeth
• greater risk of tooth impaction
• gum disease
• poor speech
• interrupted sleep
• self-esteem issues
• poor school performance
• health issues such as asthma

Long term, chronic tooth disease can lead to:

• obesity
• diabetes
• heart disease
• death

I thought the paper was well done. I hope it helps to get the message out to parents.

Not all dentists treat children, but even those who treat adults only know that proper introduction to dental services is essential in helping children develop good dental hygiene habits that can last a lifetime. Preventive care has always played a significant role in avoiding common problems such as cavities as children grow into adulthood. For those who did not have the best dental habits as a child, the message seems clear. Seek out good dental care so problems can be addressed and more serious consequences avoided.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
AAPD - The State of Little Teeth
ADA - Disease Prevention
CDC - Children's Oral Health