As dual-income families have become the norm, many grandparents are playing a greater role in raising their children’s children. In fact, about 10% of kids live in a grandparent’s home today, reports the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet oral care remains a challenge for these families, according to a survey conducted as part of Oral Health America’s Fall for Smiles campaign.
For example, 45% of grandparents and 41% of parents don’t know that children need help with brushing their own teeth until the age of 6 or 7 years, incorrectly believing that children can start brushing themselves at the age of 4 years. Also, 32% of grandparents and parents alike don’t know that a child’s first appointment should occur before the first birthday, as per the ADA’s recommendations.
Yet these grandparents do sacrifice for the children in their families, with 57% of them (and 60% of parents) delaying their own dental care to accommodate the costs of the care that these children require. That percentage increases to 63% among low-income grandparents, compared to 47% of those with higher incomes, in neglecting their own oral health.
The toll isn’t just financial, either. Overall, 78% of grandparents reported fatigue, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety. Awareness is an issue too, as 70% of grandparents said it was harder for them to keep up with information about oral care for these children that it was for younger parents.
Plus, 33% of low-income and 28% of nonwhite grandparents are significantly more likely than higher-income (9%) and white grandparents (12%) to have trouble in obtaining care because the child is not covered by dental insurance benefits. And, 46% of low-income grandparents and 30% of those with higher incomes have experienced issues due to custodial laws.
Despite the challenges, there are benefits to grandparents caring for grandchildren, with 48% saying they were more likely to exercise, 54% reporting they were more likely to eat healthier foods, and 56% noting that they were more likely to go outside. Perhaps most pertinently, 39% and 40% said they were more likely to brush and floss, respectively.
With support from the DentaQuest Foundation, Wakefield Research conducted the Oral Health America Public Opinion Poll of 501 parents and 500 grandparents in the United States raising grandchildren between July 20 and July 28, 2016, via an email invitation and online survey.
Related Articles
Changing Demographics Demand Age-Appropriate Oral Care
Older Americans Still Face Barriers in Oral Healthcare
Thirty Percent of Kids Miss School Due to Oral Health Problems
