The alarming rate of tooth decay among Colorado’s third-graders has sparked concerns among health experts, who are urging parents and policymakers to take action to address the issue. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently released data showing that 61% of third-graders in the state have a history of tooth decay, a rate that is both consistent with the national average and disturbingly high. According to Dr. Karen Foster, a leading dentist and former president of the Colorado Dental Association, the root cause of the problem is poor oral hygiene, combined with a lack of access to dental care. While good oral hygiene practices, community water fluoridation, and regular dental care can prevent tooth decay, many children in Colorado are not receiving these essential services.
The Role of Water Fluoridation
Water fluoridation has become a controversial topic in recent years, with some studies suggesting that high levels of fluoride can have negative effects on children’s health. However, dentists and public health experts are firm in their assertion that the levels of fluoride used to prevent tooth decay in the U.S. are not high enough to harm children. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 409 of Colorado’s 947 water systems have fluoridated water, while others have enough fluoride naturally occurring in their water supply.
Delayed Dental Visits During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increased rates of tooth decay among children, as delayed dental visits may have led to a buildup of bacteria and other oral health issues. However, even in ordinary times, the rate of tooth decay among children is high. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, about half of students in the third-grade age group have either a current tooth decay or a history of cavities.
Factors Contributing to Tooth Decay
The data also highlights disparities in oral health outcomes among different groups of children. Latino and Black students, as well as those attending schools with more low-income families, are more likely to have both a history of cavities and current untreated tooth decay.
What Can Parents Do?
Dr. Foster recommends that parents take the following steps to protect their children’s teeth:
• Arrange a dental visit by the child’s first birthday
• Encourage them to drink water, and limit sugar-sweetened beverages
• Take their children for sealants on their permanent teeth
• Ensure kids brush twice daily and floss once a day, with supervision for younger children
Improving Access to Dental Care
The Colorado Dental Association and other organizations are working to expand and diversify the provider workforce, including funding new schools for dental hygienists and assistants. The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation reports that about 90% of Coloradans 18 and younger have dental insurance, and 83% have visited a dentist or hygienist in the previous year. However, cost and fear of pain remain major barriers to accessing dental care, with some families earning too much for Medicaid but not enough to buy dental insurance.
Education and Exposure
The foundation is working to combat fear of pain by providing education and exposure to dental care. They fund programs that send hygienists into schools to give kids a preview of what visiting the dentist is like in a safe and non-threatening environment. According to Dr. Close, education and exposure are the best way to combat fear and promote good oral health habits.
Conclusion
The alarming rate of tooth decay among Colorado’s third-graders highlights the need for a call to action. Parents, policymakers, and healthcare professionals must work together to address the root causes of the problem and provide access to essential oral health services. By doing so, we can protect the teeth and overall health of Colorado’s children.
