Recognize the early warning signs of tooth decay in your kids

Recognize the early warning signs of tooth decay in your kids

 

Dental decay is the number 1 chronic disease affecting American youth; far surpassing obesity and asthma.

According to the CDC:

• 28% of children ages 2-5 have already had decay in their primary (baby) teeth
• 50% of children have experienced tooth decay by age 11
• 68% of 19 year olds have experienced tooth decay in their permanent teeth.  More than two-thirds!
• Low income children are twice as likely to experience decay than children of higher income families
• 52,000,000 school hours are lost each year due to dental disease

 

With these glaring statistics, what can you do as a parent to keep your kids healthy? 

Know the early warning signs!

 

If your child:

1. Has elevated levels of acid-producing bacteria

4. Takes a bottle or drinks liquids other than milk/ breast milk, formula or water

5. Drinks from a bottle or sippy cup frequently or continually and it contains fluids other than water (this includes sleeping with a bottle or feedings on demand)

6. Snacks between meals (three or more times daily)

7. Has reduced salivary production (due to medications, medical conditions, genetic factors)

8. Has an acidic diet (sugars, acidic beverages, starchy foods, fermentable carbohydrates)

9. Has special needs

 

Or

 

If the parent or the child’s family:

2. Has elevated levels of acid- producing bacteria

3. Has had a cavity within the past 12 months

4. Is at or below the poverty line

 

You want to make sure you schedule an appointment with a dental professional to discuss the risk. If you know your child has a risk factor for decay, don’t worry!  Your dental professional can make simple recommendations that will decrease their risk. The best thing you as a parent can do is to watch for the early warning signs and see a dentist right away.

 

 

For more information on children and tooth decay go to www.carifree.com or visit our website at www.drsambander.com.