Kids Dentist in Lake Forest Discusses the Impact of Secondhand Smoke

When patients visit a kids dentist in Lake Forest they often want information on oral health. When we are cleaning patients' teeth, we may discuss things, like how to have a good oral health routine. However, some information requires further explanation and our blog is the best way to share it. Today, we are discussing the impact of secondhand smoke on children's teeth. Our source is a report put out by the American Dental Association, which you can read in full here, http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/secondhand-smoke-and-caries

A study on the impact of secondhand smoke and children’s teeth.

The study referenced by the American Dental Association, ADA, was conducted in Kobe, Japan. For the study, they reviewed health information from all women and children in the city under the age of three. They found that children who were exposed to secondhand smoke when they were infants were more likely to have developed cavities or dental caries by the time they were three years old.

The information contained in the study is significant because of the large sample size. With all children in the city tested, we can rule out the impact that genetics played on whether or not they developed cavities.

Why the study matters

Baby teeth play an important role in the development of a child. They make it possible for them to eat healthy foods, develop good speech patterns and maintain confidence. When a child suffers from unnecessary dental caries, it is likely that they will spend time in an emergency dental appointment and may even need to have a tooth extracted if the caries is not treated right away.

This creates unnecessary issues for a child and can lead to a lifelong problem with oral health. It is best to bring them to a dentist on a regular basis to prevent these issues. However, at home, parents can also take steps to reduce the likelihood that a child will develop dental caries in the first place. According to this study, reducing their exposure or eliminating their exposure to secondhand smoke could be one of those important steps.

Our recommendation, as a kids‘ dentist in Lake Forest.

Parents should do what they can to prevent their children from becoming exposed to secondhand smoke at any age, particularly at infancy. If a parent does smoke, doing so outside and away from the child is best. Avoid allowing the child to spend time in a room where there is secondhand smoke, regardless of who is smoking.

If a child must be exposed to secondhand smoke, purchase fans and use a ventilation system to try and circulate fresh air in the home as much as possible. Since children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a greater risk of developing dental caries, it may be wise to bring them to our dental office twice a year or more frequently to have their teeth cleaned and examined.

Schedule an appointment to learn more

For more information on this study or on how you can keep your child's teeth healthy, schedule an appointment with our office and speak with a kids' dentist in Lake Forest.

---