Did you know tooth decay is an epidemic among our children?

And it’s 100% preventable!

 
While tooth decay has decreased over the past several years, nearly half of children aged 6-11 and more than half of children aged 12-19 in the U.S. are affected by tooth decay which can cause damage to teeth. Tooth decay is considered an epidemic among our children and is 100 percent preventable.

There are a few small yet important changes you, as a parent and caregiver, can make now to ensure your kiddo is set up for a lifetime of healthy habits:

• Create a Dental Home by Age One
  Starting regular oral care at a young age will lead to healthy oral health habits for life, so take your child to a pediatric dentist by age one, or at the sign of his or her first tooth.
• Brush Together
  Brushing habits make an impact as kids get older when they choose to implement the habits they learned from mom, dad or their caregiver. Make sure you brush with your child for two minutes, twice a day.
• It’s How Often, Not how Much
  How much sugar your child eats and drinks throughout the day is a big factor in causing tooth decay. Don’t let your child snack or drink apple juice or orange juice all day. Stick to designated meal times with water in between and limit snacking to no more than three times a day.
• Toothaches Can Talk
  It is important to not ignore toothaches at any age. This is especially true with young children, as toothaches can be a warning sign for a number of ailments, including cavities or infection, which can be treated and prevented if caught early.
• Healthy Teeth and Special Needs
  Parents and caregivers of special needs children often have concerns about their child’s tolerance of a dental appointment, but postponing the visit is not the answer. Pediatric dentists have unique expertise and extra training to treat children with special needs. Beyond dental school, pediatric dentists have 2-3 years of specialized training in areas such as addressing anxiety related to dental visits. Talk to your pediatric dentist about best-practice recommendations that can help better meet your child’s specific needs.