Study Finds Mothers' Dental Health Affects Children; Family Dentist Weighs In

Online, July 23, 2010 (Newswire.com) - A recent study by the Journal of Dental Research reports that the oral health of parents, particularly mothers, can impact the oral health of children. The study found that if mothers suffer from tooth decay, their children are twice as likely to develop dental problems.

"It's incredibly important to instill good oral hygiene habits in children at a young age," said Rapid City dentist Dr. John Bridges. "If the parents aren't consistent about brushing or annual exams, their children are less likely to pick up good habits."

Regular checkups are important for both adults and children, as seemingly innocent activities may to serious problems if left untreated. For example, putting a child to bed with a bottle may seem like a quick fix, but when sugars sit on a child's teeth overnight or for long periods of time, they can eat away at the enamel, causing discoloration and tooth decay.

Child tooth decay may lead to premature loss of baby teeth, which are important for maintaining space in a child's mouth and helping to prepare for the future growth of adult teeth.

In addition, poor oral health can lead to a variety of diseases and health problems in both adults and children, including tooth decay, gum disease, and heart disease. Consistent dental exams allow dentists to screen for potential problems and ensure healthy smiles for years to come.

"We want to see the whole family practice great oral hygiene, brushing and flossing and coming in for regular checkups," said Dr. Bridges. "Those habits will last a lifetime, and this way we can work to keep both parents and children healthy."

For more information, visit http://www.raydental.com.