More than a third of parents report that their child has encountered issues related to oral health, such as tooth decay, cavities, stained teeth, gum problems, or tooth pain in the last two years, according to a national survey.
More than a third of parents report that their child has dealt with issues like tooth decay, cavities, stained teeth, gum concerns, or tooth pain over the past two years, according to a national survey.
These issues are often connected to children’s oral hygiene practices, particularly among those who either skip these practices altogether or adhere to them less frequently, as noted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
“Keeping up with oral health from a young age, which includes regular brushing and flossing, is essential to avoiding tooth decay, gum disease, and other complications that can make it hard for children to eat and speak properly,” explained Mott Poll Co-Director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.
“More than a third of parents in our survey reported that their child does not brush twice a day, which is the most basic form of oral hygiene.”
The findings of this survey are based on the views of 1,801 parents with at least one child aged 4 to 17, collected in August 2024.
Common Neglect in Oral Hygiene Practices
Sixty-four percent of parents state that their child brushes their teeth twice daily, and approximately 60% of these children brush for at least two minutes.
However, fewer parents say their child consistently adheres to other oral health practices. For instance, only one-third of parents report that their child regularly brushes their tongue, while less than 25% floss regularly, which is important for removing stubborn food particles stuck between teeth.
Both the tongue and the spaces between teeth can harbor bacteria that lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath, Clark points out.
Between brushings, rinsing with water after eating sugary foods or drinks can help prevent sugars from sticking to the teeth; unfortunately, only 15% of parents say their children regularly practice this habit.
Overall, only one in five parents indicated that their child performs at least four out of the six recommended oral health tasks on most days, with less consistency observed among boys compared to girls. Children who practiced fewer habits and did so less frequently faced more oral health difficulties.
“Consistent oral care prevents plaque buildup and maintains healthy gums by stopping inflammation, bleeding, and infection,” Clark stated. “Teaching children the importance of a thorough oral hygiene routine lays the groundwork for lifelong dental health.”
More than a third of parents surveyed have noticed their child has bad breath, which is more prevalent in children who follow one or fewer oral hygiene routines regularly.
Most parents believe their child’s bad breath is due to “morning breath” or insufficient brushing and flossing, while less than a quarter attribute it to smelly foods, breathing from the mouth, or dental issues.
“Ignoring oral health habits is detrimental not just to overall health but can also elevate the risk of discolored teeth and bad breath, leading to embarrassment for children and lowered self-esteem,” Clark warned.
To enhance oral hygiene, she emphasizes the need for parents to ensure that all family members allocate sufficient time in the mornings and evenings to brush and floss correctly.
Importance of Dental Visits for Early Detection
Many parents indicate that their child last visited the dentist within the past year. However, 7% stated it was one to two years ago, and 4% said it has been over two years. Parents whose children follow few oral hygiene recommendations are also more likely to report that their child has missed a dental visit for over a year.
The American Dental Association advises dental check-ups every six months to catch early signs of decay, monitor teeth growth, and educate children and families on maintaining oral health, according to Clark.
“Every child’s oral health requirements are different. Dentists can offer personalized advice; for instance, some children may benefit from treatments like sealants or fluoride varnish to protect their teeth from decay,” she noted.
“Identifying problems early allows for timely treatment, which often reduces the need for more invasive procedures later on.”
