Parents should pay attention to child tooth decay

Tooth decay, a condition rampant among children, now included in the category of infectious diseases, according to a finding of the Ontario Dental Association, which maintains that it is a major source of truancy.


Far from being harmless, the consequences of decay can not only lead to strong ills, but also of infection, difficulty in chewing and speech, according to Dr. Ian McConnachie, former president of the association. The disease may have other negative impacts on children, particularly with respect to their views of themselves and their academic success, in addition to being associated with risk of overweight.



Dentists invite parents to remain alert to any changes in their children's oral and in particular to use a toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste as the first tooth appeared. Parents should also refrain from sharing items such as cups, utensils or toothbrushes, and even share food with their offspring.

The specialists of the association would like, from the Ontario government, the adoption of a program to promote access to dental care for children from households with modest salary. But while David Caplan, Minister of Health, believes that such support plan is already existing, dentists, they feel that the current program is too focused on salaries and that leaves aside preventive measures.

The group claims in the maintenance of the fluoridation of drinking water, a public health measure that has shown some effectiveness against tooth decay.