We want all kids from all backgrounds and all different walks of life to have equal access to proper dental care, but that’s not the case.
“Did you know Latino kids are 2x as likely to develop cavities than most other children? At least 1 in 3 Latino kids ages 2-5 has untreated cavities, according to a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
What You Can Do
So what can you do? Well, it’s important to remember that no matter what your child’s ethnicity or culture, dental care is important to everyone. Healthy dental habits start at home. So make sure your child is brushing their teeth every morning and night, flossing, and using mouthwash. At home treatment is necessary, but it’s not enough. Kids should additionally be attending regular visits to the dentist to ensure their teeth are healthy and growing properly. Unfortunately, at this time, there is an inconsistency among children but hopefully, if you encourage healthy habits in your children that gap will grow smaller and finally close.
To learn more about the inequality in oral health among children refer to Why Oral Health Matters for Latino Kids.