PSYC 148 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Dental Caries, Synaptic Pruning, Handedness
Document Summary
On average, children add 2-3 in height and about 5 lbs in weight each year. Torso lengthens, internal organs tuck inside, and the spine straightens. Posture and balance improves --> important to motor coordination. Growth will differ based on culture and the home environment. Between ages 2-6, 45 new epiphyses (growth centers in which cartilage hardness into bone) emerge in various parts of the skeleton. Girls tend to lose their teeth before boys and this can differ based on cultural ancestry and nutritional factors. Prolonged malnutrition delays the appearance of permanent teeth, obesity and overweight accelerate it. Exposure to tobacco smoke can suppress children"s immune system, including the ability to ght bacteria responsible for tooth decay. 28% of preschoolers have tooth decay, 50% of middle-aged children, and 60% of 18 year-olds. Tooth decay caused by poor diet and inadequate healthcare (making lower ses children at a greater risk)
