(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
A PAINFUL tooth is considerably more than just a toothache.
American children miss up to three days of school a year because of a painful tooth. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 51 million school hours are lost each year because of dental-related illness.
American parents also lose up to three days of work because of the oral health issues faced by their children. Employed U.S. adults lose more than 164 million hours of work each year as a result of oral health problems or dental visits, the CDC reports.
New research conducted globally by the Colgate-Palmolive Company shows the effect of childhood cavities on children and their parents.
The Colgate-Palmolive survey covered more than 20,000 parents across 12 countries.
Among the 1,800 parents surveyed in the U.S., the survey found that six in 10 or 62 percent of children suffer from cavities.
The cavities are the source of significant physical, emotional, social, and economic consequences, the study shows, drawing another link between oral health and overall wellbeing.
According to American parents surveyed, children experiencing oral health issues feel embarrassed (30 percent), worried (30 percent), sad (28 percent), and anxious (24 percent).
Children with cavities also feel they cannot smile freely (27 percent) and are not able to concentrate (20 percent).
The consequence of childhood cavities affects parents as well. American parents told the survey that they experience worry (50 percent), sadness (36 percent), and anxiety (25 percent) because of the pain and emotional distress children experience as a result of oral health issues.
Nearly half or 42 percent of these parents feel they have failed their child by not preventing their oral health issues. These parents feel ashamed (67 percent) and embarrassed (64 percent).
The consequences of cavities in early life are far-reaching. Children miss valuable opportunities to learn, play, and grow and adults taking time off work, Colgate’s study reveals.
Of the children experiencing cavities in the U.S., nearly half miss up to three days of school, whether due to pain or for dental treatments. Between a third and a quarter of American children with cavities either need to miss social events and athletic activities due to pain or embarrassment or are just not interested in participating.
Parents surveyed report their children avoid these extracurricular activities when they have cavities due to mixed feelings of confusion, powerlessness, and anger. As a result, they often miss milestones essential for their development, such as birthday parties, playing with friends, sports games, and family occasions.
The survey shows that more than half of parents in the U.S. take time off from their jobs to deal with their children’s cavities, sacrificing up to three days of work. When taken in sum, these lost hours have a significant impact on the economy.
According to the CDC, over $45 billion is lost in productivity in the U.S. each year because of untreated oral disease.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
