Article written by guest blogger Barbara Springer, Executive Director of the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation
For eight years now, the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation has been focused on a silent epidemic that keeps our youngest, most vulnerable citizens from meeting their potential. No, it’s not some complicated, exotic, little known disease.
It is cavities.
And, believe it or not, it causes great suffering and keeps children from being able to concentrate, eat properly, or behave well. Imagine yourself with a nasty infection in a tooth; now multiply that by twenty. Get the picture?
Over 50 million hours were missed by school aged children last year due to oral health problems. In more serious cases, tooth decay bacteria can even lead to death: Diamonte Driver, a 10 year old in Baltimore died after an infection in a tooth spread to his brain.
And it’s almost 100% preventable.
Why does this preventable disease continue to exist in the U.S.? We’re not sure why.
An ABC news special last week highlighted childhood cavities and the impact it has on children and the nation’s healthcare costs. We’re gratified this important issue is beginning to get noticed, but we are asking all our readers to continue the conversation. Let’s tackle this problem among our youth in Colorado!
We will keep working hard to get the word out there. All children can grow up with healthy, beautiful smiles. For tips on how to keep your child’s dental health strong, click here
“Because a healthy smile CAN change a life”