February is National Children’s Dental Health Month: Data Shows 1 in 10 Kids Have Untreated Cavities

Virginia Dental Association encourages caregivers to not delay care.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that more than 1 in 10 children aged 2-5 years had at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth, and about half of all children aged 6-9 years had one or more decayed, filled, or missing primary or permanent tooth, according to a Oral Health Surveillance Report.   

As dentists and organizations recognize National Children’s Dental Health Month, an observance used to promote the benefits of good oral health to youth and their caregivers, the prevalence and severity of tooth decay in U.S. children reinforce the importance of preventative oral care for children and establishing good habits at an early age.  

Poor oral health can also impact a child’s school attendance and performance, with acute and unplanned dental care accounting for a loss of 34 million school hours annually. Research shows that children with poor oral and general health are more than twice as likely to perform poorly in school.   

“A child’s oral health plays an important role in their overall well-being,” said Marlon Goad, DDS, president of the Virginia Dental Association. “Starting healthy dental routines early helps prevent problems later and protects children from tooth decay as they grow. This February and beyond, we encourage parents and caregivers to prioritize routine dental visits and not put off care.” 

To set children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, guidelines from the American Dental Association are encouraging parents and caregivers to: 

Find a local dentist at https://findadentist.ada.org/.