Dental Library

Effective Dental Care Starts in Infancy

Recent data have shown that tooth decay (also known as dental caries) is epidemic among young children in California. About one-third of preschool-aged children in our state have some degree of tooth decay (Dental Health Foundation, 2002). Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, and it is largely preventable.

The best prevention starts early.
Did you know that tooth decay can start in infancy? A tooth can become decayed within a month or two after its arrival. Experts recommend that preventative screening of children start with the emergence of the first tooth, or by the first birthday.

Why screen so early?
The benefits of early screening and preventative care far outweigh the costs of neglecting early teeth. Early screenings will identify risk factors for decay, and the visits, and the visit provides an opportunity for parents to learn the basic principles of preventative oral care. By screening soon after the arrival of the first tooth, any decay that may have been started can be treated while in an early stage.

What are the risks of delaying?
When families delay dental screening, many children will experience tooth decay. This can be painful, and the treatment required for extensive decay is traumatic to children and costly to families. Many young children cannot sit still for the lengthy procedures of filling or restoring decayed teeth, so general anesthesia is sometimes required for children’s dental work, despite its costs and risks.

What else can we do?
Parents and caregivers of infants can establish habits known to decrease the risk of tooth decay. These include:
Clean mouth daily, staring with a clean damp cloth and progressing to a soft toothbrush as more teeth emerge.
Offer children water to drink, rather that juices or sweetened beverages.
Never give infants bottles of juice, milk, or formula at bedtime or naptime.

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