Current state of oral health among children

Throughout the Unites States, poor oral health among children is a major concern that requires the implementation of an oral health promotion campaign aimed directly at children. Various studies show that oral health can be closely linked to overall health, and should become a primary focus for everyone at an early age (Mayo Clinic, 2015). In addition, U.S. News (2011) found that 33 million Americans live in areas that are underserved by dental health professionals, and 4.6 million children went without dental checkups in 2008 because their families could not afford them. Figures such as these show that not only does oral health affect a large population, but that these conditions are often going untreated.

 

 

 Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children (Mayo Clinic, 2015), and is a major population health concern because the general public lacks knowledge about proper oral health for children. For example, it is not common knowledge that dental caries is transmissible from caregiver to child through various unsanitary practices. What makes this health issue even more of a concern is that many children lack access to preventive dental care.

 A major contributing factor to the current state of oral health among children in the US is the inclination toward unhealthy foods. This is an issue that exists in rural and developed communities alike. The most common causes of bad oral health in the US are frequent feeding of sugary drinks and foods to young children, the transmission of caries-causing bacteria from mothers to children, lack of fluoride, and inadequate home care (SCAA, 2005). These statistics identify that parents are part of the problem when it comes to the oral health care of children.

 One recommendation of how to improve the current state of oral health among children in the US would involve changes to current health policies. Once a new policy has been established to support an oral health promotion program, the program is much more likely to succeed and have a positive impact on the local community. Such a policy could aim to:

            1. Increase education on oral health for children and parents

2. Provide outreach through various physical and media sources to low income children and families.

3. Educate each person encountered on the benefits of early and adequate oral health care through various physical and media sources.

             4. Train new dental hygienists and/or practitioners on how to educate children and parents on proper oral health.

 

 

 Mayo Clinic. (2015). Oral health: A window to your overall health. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001

Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy. (2005). Children’s oral health care. Children’s Policy Agenda. Albany, NY: Schuyler Center Publishing.
 
U. S. News. (2011, July). Millions of Americans lack access to dental care: Report. Retrieved from: http://www.usnews.com/mobile/articles_mobile/millions-of-americans-lack-access-to-dental-care-report