Social and economic factors, as well as diet and behavior, can influence a child's oral health, Ismail says.
Access is one issue.
Ismail points to the US Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health, released last year, which has some of the same conclusions. We need a more comprehensive plan than just increasing access. One way to improve the dental health of children is through education, says Paul D. Bussman, DMD, national spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. Helping parents, especially those who aren't keen on visiting the dentist themselves, learn about the importance of regular dental care for even young children can help ensure that the children will get the care they need, Bussman says. A healthy mouth is important for a healthy body, Bussman says, and making sure that parents understand that the connection holds true even for young children is a big part of dental education.