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Adolescence is a time for new discoveries, which may lead teens to engage in impulsive behaviors. Although social media and the Internet have brought great benefits to the world, they can also have a negative influence on adolescents, facilitating their engagement in risky behaviors. Positive parenting and healthy friendships in adolescence have a protective effect against sensation-seeking behaviors. Dental practitioners also have a significant role in steering young patients toward healthy behaviors. They play an essential role in the early recognition, initiation of appropriate interventions, and referrals for treatment of youth at risk., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the association between food insecurity and dental caries in US children aged 1-19 years.Methods: Data from children ages 1-19 collected through the 2013/2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed. Descriptive analysis of both the exposure (food insecurity) and outcome variables (dental caries), as well as covariates, was carried out. Strata-specific odds ratios and respective 95 percent confidence intervals for each covariate were determined, followed by linear regression models.Results: The odd of having dental caries was 2.9 times higher for children who had very low food security. The odds of having dental caries was 2.6 times higher for children aged 6-11, 2.9 times higher for children aged 12-15, and 4.2 times higher for children aged 16-19 when compared to children aged 1-5.Conclusions: There is a significant association between food insecurity and dental caries in children and dental caries prevalence increases with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural racism negatively affects the health of Black populations in the U.S. Black populations experience a higher burden of oral diseases, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral and pharyngeal cancers than other racial groups experience. Oral health literature refers to racial inequities in the context of social disadvantage. However, structural racism perpetuates those contributory social disadvantages, such as inadequate access to affordable housing, education, and employment. In addition, in states where nearly 50% of U.S. Black populations reside, there is an inequitable distribution of adult Medicaid dental benefits as well as an inequitable availability of both Black and non-Black oral health care providers. Addressing structural racism in oral health should involve commitment among stakeholders to establish awareness and equity through community-building, policy, oral health workforce development, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]