Why Children’s Dental Health Matters More Than You Think
Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) promotes National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for children. While dental care is essential for every child, access remains a challenge for many families, particularly those in underserved communities. Without regular checkups, preventive treatments, and early intervention, children face serious oral health risks that can impact their overall well-being.
The Risks of Poor Dental Care for Children
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S., yet it is almost entirely preventable. According to the CDC, “more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth,” and untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and difficulty eating and speaking. But the risks go beyond cavities.
- Pain and missed school days: Dental pain can make it hard for children to concentrate, leading to missed school and lower academic performance.
- Infections that spread: Untreated oral infections can travel to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications that may require hospitalization.
- Speech and developmental issues: Losing teeth too early due to decay can affect how a child pronounces words, impacting confidence and communication skills.
- Long-term health problems: Poor oral health has been linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.
Without regular checkups and preventive care, many of these problems escalate into costly, painful conditions that could have been avoided.
Why Some Families See Dental Care as a Luxury
For many low-income families, dental care is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. When parents must choose between paying rent, buying groceries, or taking a child to the dentist, dental visits are often postponed—sometimes indefinitely—unless there is an emergency. The high cost of dental care is a major factor. Even families with insurance may struggle with out-of-pocket expenses, and those without coverage face even greater barriers to care.
Beyond cost, access is another issue. Many rural communities lack dental providers who accept Medicaid or offer affordable care, making it difficult for families to schedule routine visits. Unlike medical emergencies, dental issues often worsen gradually, leading many to believe they can wait—until the pain becomes unbearable. Generational attitudes also play a role; parents who didn’t grow up with regular dental visits may not recognize their importance for their children. These barriers contribute to a cycle of neglect, where dental care is only sought in times of crisis rather than as an essential part of overall health.
The Disparities in Dental Care Access
Despite the proven benefits of regular dental visits, millions of children—especially those in low-income and rural areas—struggle to access care. Families in these communities face several barriers:
- Financial Struggles: Many families lack dental insurance or can’t afford out-of-pocket costs.
- Shortage of Providers: In some areas, there are not enough dentists who accept Medicaid or provide low-cost care.
- Lack of Awareness: Some families may not know about affordable services or the importance of preventive care.
- Transportation Issues: Families in rural areas may have to travel long distances for dental appointments.
These challenges result in higher rates of untreated cavities, infections, and long-term dental health problems. Without intervention, children in underserved communities are more likely to experience lifelong oral health complications that affect their well-being, education, and future economic opportunities.
How Community Health Centers Are Making a Difference
Community health centers play a vital role in providing affordable, accessible, and preventive dental care to families in need. These organizations ensure that cost and location do not become barriers to treatment by offering:
- Low-cost or free services through sliding-scale fees and Medicaid coverage.
- School-based dental programs that bring preventive care directly to children, including screenings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
- Mobile dental clinics that reach underserved areas, offering checkups, cleanings, and basic treatments.
- Preventive education to teach families about proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and the importance of regular dental visits.
- Establishing dental homes to provide children with a trusted provider for continuous care.
By expanding access to these services, community health centers are helping prevent dental problems before they start and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up with a healthy smile.
Preventive Dental Care Saves Money in the Long Run
Investing in preventive dental care is not only good for a child’s health but also saves money over time. Regular checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments cost far less than emergency dental visits, extractions, or root canals. Sealants, for example, can prevent cavities and eliminate the need for expensive fillings or crowns. Beyond direct dental costs, untreated oral health problems can lead to serious medical complications, including infections that require hospitalization.
The economic burden of poor dental health extends beyond healthcare expenses. Children suffering from dental pain are more likely to miss school, affecting their education and future job opportunities. Additionally, adults who experience oral health problems early in life often face more significant dental expenses as they age. Studies have shown that every $1 spent on preventive dental care can save up to $50 in future treatment costs. Addressing oral health early prevents the need for costly procedures, reduces reliance on emergency dental care, and contributes to overall well-being. Ensuring that children receive preventive care now means avoiding expensive, invasive treatments down the road.
Taking Action This National Children’s Dental Health Month
Parents, caregivers, and communities all have a role to play in improving children’s oral health. The first step is scheduling regular dental checkups—even if a child has no immediate pain, prevention is key. Schools and community programs can advocate for dental services in classrooms, ensuring all children have access to care. Families can encourage good oral health habits at home by teaching children to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit sugary drinks and snacks.
At MCHWC, children have access to affordable, high-quality pediatric dental care to prevent and treat oral health issues early. Our dedicated pediatric dentist, Dr. Robyn Malone, is passionate about improving and maintaining dental health in our young people. Dr. Malone oversees and executes routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and restorative care like fillings and extractions, ensuring that kids receive the essential care they need regardless of their family’s financial situation. By offering Medi-Cal-covered and low-cost services, along with oral health education for families, the MCHWC helps children develop healthy habits and reduces long-term dental complications.
Every child deserves a healthy smile and the opportunity to grow up without the burden of preventable dental issues. If your family needs affordable dental care, contact your local community health center to learn more about available services, or
call us at (415) 339-8813 to make an appointment for a child in your life.