Though we don’t often think about it, St Charles IL children as young as 9 or 10 months of age can be infected with cavity producing bacteria, which causes cavities and tooth decay. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost 20% of children 2-5 have untreated cavities, and the percentage rises in children over 6. 1
Tooth decay, if left undetected or untreated in St Charles IL toddlers and children, can result in altered eating habits, delayed speech development, and creation of an unhealthy environment for permanent tooth development. Healthy baby teeth lead to healthier permanent teeth later in life.
Bartlett IL mothers who practice preventive dental and oral care during prenatal and postnatal periods can better protect their children from cavities.
St Charles IL parents and care providers should not prop a bottle for their baby in a crib or car seat, and should clean their child’s teeth with a cloth or soft baby toothbrush as soon as they erupt. It is also recommended that St Charles IL parents check regularly for chalky white or brown spots which could indicate the beginning of decay.2
Bartlett IL cosmetic dentists and Elgin pediatric dentists in the St Charles IL area advise taking your child to his or her first dental appointment six months after the first tooth appears, or around their first birthday, to begin discussing fluoride prescriptions and other preventive care issues.
To set up your toddler’s first dental check-up at David A. Rice, D.D.S. in Elgin call 847-741-2353 today! Our courteous and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.
1 ‘ Untreated Dental Caries in Children,’ CDC.gov, February 9, 2011,http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsUntreatedCavitiesKids/, accessed on Feb 6, 2012
2 ‘Cavities in Kids: The Truth,’ Medicine Net.com, July 7, 2004, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12465, accessed on Feb 6, 2012