SUNDAY, March 9, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- More than 1 in 3 parents say their child has struggled with cavities, stained teeth, gum problems or tooth pain in the past two years, a new national poll shows.
The problems were often linked to poor hygiene habits, especially among kids who didn’t follow recommended brushing, flossing and rinsing routines, according to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
“Maintaining oral health from a young age, including regular brushing and flossing, helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other issues that make it difficult for children to eat and speak clearly,” said poll co-director Sarah Clark.
“Over a third of parents in our poll reported their child does not regularly brush twice a day -- the most basic level of oral hygiene,” she added in a news release.
The findings are based on a poll, conducted in August, of 1,801 parents with children between 4 and 17 years of age.
In all, 64% of parents said their child brushes twice a day, and 60% say brushing lasts for at least two minutes.
Other important oral health steps were followed even less often. In reporting which practices their child does all or most days:
35% said their child regularly brushes their tongue.
23% said their child flosses regularly.
22% said their child uses mouthwash.
15% said their child rinses with water after eating sugary foods or drinks.
“Regular oral health prevents plaque buildup and keeps gums healthy by preventing inflammation, bleeding, and infection,” Clark said in a news release.
“Teaching kids the importance of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine sets the foundation for lifelong oral health,” she added.
Bad breath was another common problem, with more than one-third of parents saying they noticed halitosis in their child.
Most parents blamed “morning breath” or skipping brushing or flossing, while fewer than a quarter attributed it smelly foods, mouth breathing or dental problems.
“Neglecting oral health habits is not only harmful for overall health but can increase the risk of discolored teeth and bad breath, which can be embarrassing for children and cause low self-esteem,” Clark added.
Most parents said their child’s last dental visit was within the past year, but 7% said it was one to two years ago and 4% said it’s been more than two years.
The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist every six months to catch early signs of tooth decay and to learn about ways to protect their teeth.
“Each child’s oral health needs are unique," Clark said. "Dentists can provide tailored recommendations; for example, some children will benefit from sealants or fluoride varnish to protect the teeth from sources of decay.”
Early detection allows for timely intervention, often reducing the need for more invasive treatments later, she added.
The poll, a project of University of Michigan Health, has a margin of error of plus or minus 1 to 5 percentage points.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more oral health tips for kids.
SOURCE: University of Michigan, news release, Jan. 23, 2025