Tooth decay may stunt growth in children

If you want your child to grow taller, keeping their teeth clean may just be the right answer.

 YOUNGLINGS. Bad oral condition may hinder your child’s growth. © 2011 Petras Gagilas, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

A new study shows that tooth decay can affect your child’s growth.  Researchers at University of College London and the King Fahad Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia found that tooth decay may also prohibit growth in children.

The new study was published at Pediatrics, an online children’s health journal.

The Study

Previous studies had failed to show any relationship between growth and tooth decay. Researchers at the two organizations began their study in an effort to determine the correlation. In order to find the connection, researchers examined the data of dental decay and the weight and height in children living in Saudi Arabia, ages 6 to 8. The children examined in the study had an oral health care test using the DMFT scale, which determines the level of tooth decay, filled teeth, or missing teeth.

Researchers studied all the available data and proved the relationship between slow growth and increased number of cavities. They found that there is correlation between the two. Children with severe cases of tooth decay had a higher probability of becoming underweight and shorter, compared to the children with little tooth decay. Even when the variables of differing demographic groups were factored in, tooth decay still played a role in overall poor growth in these children.

Prevention

Dentists suggest that to lower tooth decay, parents should encourage their children to brush their teeth three times a day and floss daily to prevent cavities. Children should start their dental appointments early with the appearance of their first tooth or their first birthday. Early and regular dental visits are an important part of familiarizing your child with the dentist’s office and what a visit feels like.