Do Cavities Have Any Effect on the Quality of Life for Children?

We're almost all familiar with the acute, adverse effects that a cavity can have on a child — from a toothache to anxiety during treatment. However, many parents are surprised to learn that a childhood cavity, tooth decay, and other dental and oral health problems can make a significant and long-lasting impact that may negatively influence various aspects of their health, well-being, and overall quality of life for many years — or, in some cases, much longer. With this in mind, ensuring your child has access to quality pediatric dental care, visits the dentist regularly, and practices proper dental and oral hygiene at home may be even more important than you realized.

At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Lawrenceville, GA pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni Kong provides dedicated pediatric dental services that aim to keep your children's teeth healthy and strong both now and in the future. Take a closer look below at the long-term health and quality of life risks that cavities during childhood may pose, and learn how you can set your children up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Is a cavity in a baby tooth serious?

Many parents understandably have questions about how serious cavities, decay, and other dental problems are when they affect a baby tooth, which " is just going to fall out anyway." While it is true that the affected tooth or teeth will eventually fall out, cavities in baby teeth can still cause a number of problems and need to be treated or, preferably, prevented when possible.

What are the long-term problems caused by a kid's cavity?

The immediate aftermath of developing a cavity as a child can include unwanted side effects and inconveniences like discomfort, difficulty eating, pain while sleeping, the need for invasive treatment, and even the loss of the tooth in certain cases. Beyond this, childhood cavities can cause problems that may compromise various aspects of the child's health and well-being in the long term, including:

• Prolonged difficulty chewing and eating
• Prolonged discomfort
• Bite misalignment
• Shifting teeth
• Weight loss, failure to gain weight, and growth and development problems
• Increased risk of developing additional cavities
• Psychological distress
• Speech development issues
• Social development issues
• Poor academic performance
• Missed days at school and/or work

Another important consideration is the toll that childhood dental issues can take on the parents' quality of life, impacting areas like:

• Performance/presence at work
• Feelings of adequacy
• Finances due to cost of treatment

How can I prevent my kids from getting cavities?

Some of the most important steps you can take to prevent childhood cavities and avoid longer-term oral and overall health problems include:

• Taking your child to the pediatric dentist for regular exams and teeth cleanings
• Encouraging proper dental and oral hygiene
• Modeling proper dental and oral hygiene behaviors yourself
• Monitoring your child's diet and limiting sugary, processed, and otherwise damaging foods and drinks
• Talking with your child's dentist about additional preventive treatments, including sealants, fluoride treatments, and others

With these healthy habits, you can set your child up for success.

Don't let a childhood cavity impact your child's future. Schedule a Lawrenceville, GA pediatric dental exam today

As parents, there's nothing we want more for our children than a lifetime of health and happiness — and your child's dental health can play a significant role in that. To learn more about the importance of pediatric dental health, call our friendly team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA to schedule your child's consultation or exam with dedicated pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni Kong today.