Children's Oral Health

Children can get cavities in their teeth almost as soon as the teeth surface. The first sign of cavities in a child's mouth may only be white, dull-looking areas of the teeth near the gumline. These can quickly progress to holes in the teeth, pain and even swelling of the face. In the very worst cases, infection from dental disease can be life-threatening.

The oral health of children has improved significantly over the past few decades.
 

Today most American children enjoy excellent oral health, but a significant subset suffers a high level of oral disease. The most advanced disease is found primarily among children living in poverty, some racial/ethnic minority populations, disabled children, and children with HIV infection.
 
We know enough about health promotion and disease prevention measures to improve the oral health and well-being of all children.
 
Tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood – 5 times as common as asthma and 7 times as common as hay fever.
 
More than half of children aged 5-9 have had at least one cavity or filling; 78 percent of 17-year-olds have experienced tooth decay.
 
By age 17, more than 7 percent of children have lost at least one permanent tooth to decay.
 
Each year, 8,000 babies are born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate, making these among the most common birth defects. Cleft lip and cleft palate interfere with normal appearance, eating, and speech.

The daily reality for children with untreated oral disease is often persistent pain, inability to eat comfortably or chew well, embarrassment at discolored and damaged teeth, and distraction from play and learning.

Call for children's appointment (909) 945-2002

Things to remember

Pregnant women should get prenatal care and eat a healthy diet that includes folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and possibly cleft lip/palate. During pregnancy avoid tobacco and alcohol, and check with a doctor before taking any medications.
 
Put only water in your baby’s bottle at bedtime or naptime. Milk, formula, juices, and other drinks contain sugar. Prolonged exposure to sugary drinks while baby sleeps – when saliva flow is reduced – increases the risk of tooth decay.
 
Take your child for an oral health assessment between ages 1-2, and every six months thereafter.
 
Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride. Use a fluoridated toothpaste, putting only a pea-sized amount on your child’s toothbrush. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, talk to a dentist or physician about the best way to protect your child’s teeth.
 
Encourage your children to eat regular nutritious meals and to avoid frequent between-meal snacking.
 
Talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants, which protect teeth from decay.
 
Make sure your child wears a helmet when bicycling and uses protective headgear and mouth guards in other sports activities.

Call for your kids appointment  (909) 945-2002 

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