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The Hard Truth About Child Cavities That Dental Professionals Should Know

Russell Kalbfeld • May 22, 2023

One of the many responsibilities dental professionals have is to promote good oral health practices to their patients. Part of that responsibility is making sure that children are aware of the importance of brushing and flossing every day. It may come as a surprise to many, but a significant percentage of kids are suffering from untreated cavities. This occurrence can lead to a multitude of health problems that could be prevented if detected early. In this blog, we will explore the devastating stats of untreated cavities in children and the consequences they present.


Children Aged 2 to 5 with Untreated Cavities

According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 10% of children aged 2 to 5 in the United States have untreated cavities. The same survey also indicates that over 40 percent of kids aged 2 to 11 have cavities in their baby teeth. The reason for this is often due to parents not promoting good oral health habits from a young age, coupled with not taking them to see a dentist regularly. Dental professionals can educate parents on the importance of brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dental checkups.


Cavity Prevalence by Age 34

The stats are shocking; more than 80% of people will have had at least one cavity by age 34. That statistic shows just how prevalent and rampant tooth decay is across the nation. Early-onset oral treatment and prevention are crucial in ensuring that children maintain great oral health from an early age, limiting the number of cavities they will have throughout their life. In conjunction with maintaining oral health, it is essential that parents are aware of the dietary factors that lead to tooth decay.


Lost School Hours as a Result of Dental Emergencies

If parents fail to educate their children on good oral health practices and regular dental checkups, it can lead to school absences. On average, over 34 million school hours are lost each year in the United States as a result of dental emergencies requiring unplanned care. Dental professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that parents and children understand that prevention is better than a cure. The prevention of cavities means less absenteeism, better overall health and well-being, and higher academic performance.


Oral Health can Impact Overall Health

The overall importance of dental health often goes unnoticed by many. Failure to address dental health can lead to a plethora of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even pneumonia. It is paramount that dental professionals work to educate patients on the dangers of poor oral hygiene as a way of preventing complications and improving overall patient health.


Proper Hygiene and the Benefits

While regular dental hygiene practices may undoubtedly be beneficial, dental professionals should also educate patients on the physical and mental wellbeing that comes with having a healthy mouth. When patients' teeth are healthy, they are more confident in their smile and social interactions. Proper hygiene practices can potentially improve a person's self-esteem and overall mood.


Dental professionals play a crucial role in educating parents and their children about the importance of regular dental checkups, proper hygiene practices, and the potential consequences of neglected oral hygiene. If more parents are educated about the dangers of cavities, tooth decay, and the impact they can have on their children's health, we can start reversing the staggering statistics of untreated cavities in children. By promoting good oral hygiene practices amongst parents and their children, we can improve their overall health, academic performance, and set them up for a lifetime of great dental health habits.

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Are Interdental Picks as Good as Floss? A Comprehensive Comparison

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By Russell Kalbfeld • May 2, 2023
Dental hygiene is very important as it helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Flossing is a crucial aspect of oral hygiene as it helps to remove plaque and food particles that toothbrushes cannot reach. However, many people struggle with flossing properly, especially when using traditional string floss. This is where Summit Oral Care flossers come in handy. They are easy to use and effective in removing plaque and food particles between teeth. In this blog post, we'll share some tips for proper flossing with Summit Oral Care flossers

How to Properly Floss with Summit Oral Care Floss Picks

April 27, 2023
As dental hygienists, we all know how important it is to floss our teeth regularly. Flossing can help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. However, some patients may struggle to floss properly, and this is where floss picks can come in handy. With Summit Oral Care floss picks , your patients can easily and effectively floss their teeth. In this blog post, we will discuss the proper way to use floss picks and how to ensure your patients are flossing correctly with Summit Oral Care floss picks. Step 1: Begin with a clean slate Before using floss picks, it is essential to ensure that the teeth are clean. Instruct your patients to brush their teeth and rinse their mouth out with water, removing any food particles that may be stuck between their teeth. Step 2: Get the right grip Summit Oral Care floss picks are designed to have a comfortable grip, making it easy for your patients to hold onto the floss while flossing. Instruct your patients to hold the floss pick with their dominant hand, with their thumb and forefinger holding onto the handle. Step 3: Floss between the teeth Gently insert the floss into the spaces between the teeth, curving the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape. The floss picks have a threader tip at the end, making it easy to guide the floss between the teeth. Make sure to floss both sides of each tooth, carefully flossing up and down. Step 4: Don't forget the gums Don't just focus on flossing between the teeth; the gums also require attention. Gently slide the floss along the gum line, being careful not to force the floss too hard, as this can cause gum irritation. Step 5: Rinse and Repeat Once finished with one tooth, rinse the floss pick under warm water and repeat the process with the other teeth until all the teeth have been flossed. In conclusion, flossing is a crucial aspect of oral hygiene, and it's essential to ensure that your patients are doing it correctly. Summit Oral Care floss picks are an excellent choice for patients who may have difficulty flossing the traditional way. By following these simple steps, you can help your patients maintain optimal oral health and prevent dental issues. So, make sure to recommend Summit Oral Care floss picks to your patients and show them the proper way to floss using them.
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