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Bad teeth, bad breath- just another worry for adolescents as they look in the mirror? Not quite- dental disease includes decay of the teeth, inflammation of gums and oral tissue and untreated injuries to teeth and jaw. Dental disease is the nation's leading chronic disease of children and the shameful fact is that dental disease is largely preventable. The prescription for healthy teeth is fluoridated water, good nutrition, proper oral hygiene, timely application of dental sealants and regular preventive care. Lack of insurance, low family income and low parental education level are significantly associated with the lack of preventive dental care.
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BEST PRACTICES
Preventive oral health is integral to general health and means much more than healthy teeth.
Below are several areas of concern:
- Good nutrition and diet habits: Many teens are not receiving the benefits of fluoridated water because they are drinking bottled water, and sugared carbonated sodas and sports drinks may contribute to tooth decay.
- Oral piercing: Oral piercing can cause infection, chipped or cracked teeth and interference with dental X-rays.
- Tobacco use: Using spit tobacco, also known as "chew" or "smoke" can result in gum recession, tooth decay, oral lesions and oral cancers as well as nicotine addition.
- Sports injuries and protective mouth gear: About one third of all dental injuries and approximately 19 percent of head and face injuries are sports-related.
- Eating disorders: Anorexia and bulimia also can result in damage to teeth. Poor nutritional intake associated with anorexia means a loss of calcium. Stomach acids from the constant vomiting symptomatic of bulimia, erode the enamel on the teeth.
Experts have suggested the following steps as a start to improving access to oral health services for adolescents:
- Improve access to dental care by expanding preventive care to poor inner-city and rural youth through school-based programs.
- Improve Medicaid coverage for patients and reimbursements for dentists, and provide incentives for dentists to practice in underserved areas.
- Extend dental office hours or provide an on-call service to answer questions.
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Helpful Links:
Colorado Oral Health Surveillance System
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey Results
Colorado Best Practices Website
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