The group of children who have not visited the dentist for a check-up has grown in corona year 2020. This was researched by knowledge center Vektis on behalf of Pharos. The latter expertise center in the field of health warns of the consequences. If children are not treated for cavities, it can later lead to diabetes, lung and cardiovascular diseases, rheumatism and pregnancy complications.
Toddlers, children of primary school age and secondary school students visited the dentist less in 2020 for check-ups than a year earlier. In children aged 2 and 3, this group grew from 56 to 61 percent. An increase from 13 to 18 percent was seen in 4- to 11-year-olds and a similar development was visible in 12 to 17-year-olds.
Coronavirus
The researchers suspect that due to the coronavirus outbreak, fewer children have seen the dentist’s practice room from the inside. Dentists were only allowed to treat emergencies for a period of time. In addition, people stayed away for fear of getting infected. Many of the adult dental avoiders also stopped sending their children for a check-up, research shows.
Chronically ill
If children are left with cavities for too long, they can suffer from pain and inflammation and even lose baby teeth. They are even more at risk if they already have health problems, the researchers warn. “If bacteria from the mouths of these children get into the bloodstream, it could cause them to become chronically ill.”
By: ANP