Dental issues among children are much more common than many realize. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of all children aged 6 to 9 years old have had a cavity in either their baby or permanent teeth. Tooth decay is largely preventable; this statistic highlights a major opportunity for caregivers to step in and make a meaningful difference early on.
On the opposite side of the age spectrum, the elderly are also at significant risk for oral disease. 20% of all adults aged 65 and older have untreated dental decay, 68% have periodontal disease and almost 40% have been unable to access dental care in the past year. (Stanko, et al, 2022). A “silent epidemic” of oral diseases is affecting older adults. (Foiles, et al, (2020). Caregivers for seniors play a major role in their daily oral health care and maintenance.
Instruction on oral health care for these populations is vital for an emerging generational group of caregivers, known as the “sandwich generation,” who are caring for their children and aging parents simultaneously. A caregiver is anyone primary responsible for a child’s or elderly person day-to-day well-being and routines, these include family members, foster parents, babysitters, and daycare or healthcare providers. Anyone who supervises meals, helps them get ready for bed, or schedules their appointments plays a vital role as an oral health caregiver. Twenty-nine percent of adults in the U.S. care for children, and 12% to 24.3% of those adults are multigenerational caregivers who also provide care for one or more adults. (Owsiany, et al, 2023).
Like what you’re learning? Consider enrolling in the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s online, competency-based certificate or master’s program in Community Oral Health.
Managing Children’s Oral Health Matters
Taking care of a child’s mouth involves much more than just keeping their smile bright. Active management of pediatric oral health is crucial for several key reasons, such as:
- Preventing pain and infection
- Protecting permanent teeth
- Preventing school absences
- Building lifelong habits
Managing Geriatric Oral Health Matters
Caring for a senior’s mouth involves aspects of systemic health in addition to cavity prevention and preventing periodontal disease. One can take an active role by:
- Becoming aware of side effects of prescription medication that present in the oral cavity, e.g. dry mouth/xerostomia
- Treating dry mouth/xerostomia for cavity prevention and management of dysphagia
- Ensuring proper care and maintenance of partial and complete dentures for adequate chewing function and nutritional intake
- Decreasing oral bacteria to decrease the risk of aspiration pneumonia, heart disease and Alzheimer’s
- Managing periodontal disease to decrease inflammation that affects blood sugar levels/Diabetes
How Caregivers Can Take Control
As a caregiver, you don’t need to be a dental expert to protect a smile. You can make a major impact by building simple habits into their daily routine:
- Supervise brushing
- Brush their teeth if their dexterity is limited
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Administer prescription or OTC topical fluoride
- Schedule regular dental visits
Active caregiving is essential for maintaining oral health across generations. By establishing consistent morning and night routines and scheduling concurrent family dental appointments, caregivers can effectively prevent cavities and gum disease. Ultimately, equipping caregivers with the right tools and information ensures that both children and aging adults enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Earn an Online Postgraduate Degree in Community Oral Health
Do you like learning about a variety of issues while focused on the unique needs of community health dental programs? Consider enrolling in the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s online, competency-based certificate or master’s program in Community Oral Health.
References
Center for Disease Control (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-cavities.html
Foiles Sifuentes, A.M., Lapane, K.L. (2020). Oral Health in nursing homes: What we know and what we need to know. Journal of Nursing Home Research Sciences, 6, 1-5.
Owsiany, M. T., Fenstermacher, E. A., & Edelstein, B. A. (2023). Burnout and Depression Among Sandwich Generation Caregivers: A Brief Report. International journal of aging & human development, 97(4), 425–434. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914150231183137
Stanko Alpert, E., Simon, L.E., Barrow, J. “A Call to Measure: The Oral Disease Burden In Nursing Homes”, Health Affairs Forefront, July 1, 2022.
