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Latino Children Experience Two Times More Tooth Decay

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Posted: May 19, 2015
Edited by Dentaltown staff

DALLAS—Studies have shown that Latino children experience tooth decay rates at a far higher rate than their non-Latino White and African American peers.

“Our Latino youth are experiencing disproportionate levels of dental cavities,” says Dr. Leslie Renee Townsend, DDS., Jefferson Dental Clinics Regional Dental Director. “It is clear that is time to intervene on advancing oral health initiatives aimed at creating good dental health habits from an early age.”

As many as 55 percent of Latino children ages 2-11 have had dental cavities in their primary teeth and nearly 65 percent of Latino teens have had cavities in permanent teeth, according to data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. 

Additional research also suggests that Latino youth are twice more likely to experience untreated tooth decay than their peers. The Center for Disease Control recognizes tooth decay as the number one chronic childhood illness in the United States. 

Issues attributed to tooth decay reach far beyond a simple toothache. Tooth decay in children has been correlated to problems with eating, difficulties with speech and articulation, difficulty concentrating and completing school work, headaches and even lowered self-esteem. Annually an estimated 51 million missed school hours can be attributed to dental related problems.  

“Every stage of a child’s development is important for dental care. We are now seeing infant tooth decay on the rise, as well as older children with more dental cavities,” said Townsend. “It is important for parents and caregivers to remember that early care and prevention is a first step at preparing a child for a lifetime of good oral health."

Overall, it is important that families treat oral hygiene as a family-wide habit. Preventing tooth decay is a first step at combating the dental health crisis, and improving health outcomes for young Latinos.

Visit www.jeffersondentalclinics.com for more resources and prevention information. 
 
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