No, It's Not Just Sugary Food That's Responsible For Poor Oral Health In America's Children, Especially In Appalachia

(MENAFN- The Conversation)

Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining optimal oral health, but like most aspects of health, the full story is more complicated.

As directors of the , firsthand that inequalities exist when it comes to oral health, including in children. Some people or groups have considerably more oral health problems than others because of a combination of factors beyond personal dental hygiene.

For example, Appalachia – which stretches from the northern part of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia up through the southern part of New York, and includes all of West Virginia – has one of the in the U.S.

October is , which provides an opportunity to draw more attention to this chronic but often preventable problem.

While the terms dental hygiene and dental health are largely focused on the teeth and gums, is more comprehensive. According to the , oral health encompasses the , including one's“ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow and convey a range of emotions through facial expressions” without pain or discomfort. Oral health affects not only a person's teeth but .

affects children all across the U.S., but far too little attention is paid to how preventable and treatable it is. Cavities, or caries, are the most common – five times than environmental allergies, despite being preventable. More than when they start kindergarten.

However, people who have less formal education or lower incomes, and those living in more rural areas, such as Appalachia, tend to have , and . The in specific populations is not only an inequity but also a serious public health problem. Oral health problems early in life extend into adulthood and can be lifelong.

It's a common misconception that consuming sugary foods and beverages is the only cause of tooth decay. While that is undoubtedly a problem, there's much more to good oral health. It includes ; eating healthy foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables; avoiding tobacco products; and wearing mouth guards while playing certain sports. are also critical, as they provide an opportunity for cleanings and preventive care.

Oral health in kids is a and that of their families; however, in addition to behavioral and social influences, genetic and other biological factors are also at play. For example, – such as those for sweet foods – are associated with cavities on certain teeth and surfaces of teeth. It's possible that our taste genes predispose some of us to prefer consuming sweet foods and drinks, which is a risk factor for developing cavities.

, known as the oral microbiome, also play a role. Some parts of the and even required for good oral health. Other are invaders that can lead to oral diseases.

Just as important are , including air quality, access to healthy foods, the cost of dental care, access to transportation to and from the dentist, and school-based programs that encourage good oral hygiene among children. Whether one lives in a community with fluoridated water or otherwise has access to fluoride treatments is also important, as . in communities is another factor. If the only available water is toxic or unappealing, people may turn to soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages.

Additionally, and can influence their children's oral health too. Among mothers with a high number of cavities, the availability of has been shown to be associated with fewer cavities in their children.

greatly influences that of their children. Kids and their parents typically drink the same water and many of the same beverages and eat a lot of the same foods. Children often follow the dental hygiene habits of their parents as well. Children typically take on their parents' and caregivers' too – whether it's comfort, stress, anxiety or fear.

Parents' thoughts about dental care influence their decisions about preventive care. Dental fear and anxiety can lead to delay or avoidance of dental appointments for themselves and their children.“” – the importance one places on maintaining natural and good-looking teeth – affect decision-making about dental hygiene and professional dental care. can even influence their own dental hygiene and oral health and that of their children.

Dental problems in kids , pain and embarrassment about visible decay, and missing or crooked teeth. Teeth and gums are critical for speaking, eating, development and appearance. They affect social functioning and one's enjoyment of food. Kids' dental problems affect their parents, too, as they can result in parents' unexpectedly missing work to bring their child to the dentist.

To a great extent, . Some preventive steps are affected by . One of the best things parents or caregivers can do is to establish a relationship for their child with a dental practitioner, practice, office or clinic to promote prevention but also to provide emergency care if needed. Within the oral health world, this relationship is called a“ .” The and other professional health organizations recommend that children see an oral health care provider before age 1 or at the emergence of the first tooth. Access to dental treatment, especially preventive care, has been shown to and their communities.

are surely needed too. Since cost affects whether parents can provide their children with routine dental care, greater access to dental insurance is an important step to ensuring equal access and reducing oral health inequities. Integrating oral health practices into is another system-level change that would benefit all children regardless of their family's socioeconomic status.

Oral health is a critical factor in a person's overall health. Teaching kids this early can help them develop a healthy smile and care for their pearly whites throughout their lives.

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