Why Little Teeth Are A Big Deal

Lollipops. Sugary drinks. Chocolate bars. What child doesn’t like to indulge in a sweet treat every now and then? But parents beware - cavities are one of the most widespread chronic infectious diseases among children in the U.S. In fact, about one in four 3rd graders in Illinois have untreated tooth decay. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can spread and cause decay in other teeth – including permanent teeth. Experts say not taking care of childhood tooth decay can lead to greater health issues like infection, speech impediments, teeth discoloration, trouble eating and even tooth loss.

The good news? With proper dental hygiene, tooth decay is nearly 100 percent preventable. Dr. Mira Albert, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and practicing dentist in Hinsdale, IL recommends parents and caregivers follow these top tips:

• Establish a Dental Home – a home base for all your children's dental needs – by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
• Get into the habit of a good home care routine with your child. Help little ones (up to age seven or eight) brush their teeth for two minutes two times a day, and floss as soon as teeth start touching.
• Provide your child with a well-balanced diet which includes healthy fruits and vegetables for snacks.
  • Avoid “grazing” or constantly snacking throughout the day. Sticky, gummy candy and sugary, carbonated drinks are the worst offenders for little teeth.
  • Organic doesn’t always equal good for you. Popular snacks marketed as “organic” or “all-natural” like cheddar bunnies, fruit snacks, and puree’d fruit pouches do the same damage to little teeth as their non-organic, artificial counter parts. The bacteria in your mouth can’t tell the difference.
• Look for Fluoride toothpaste with the American Dental Associate Seal of Acceptance.

Visit www.mychildrensteeth.org to find a pediatric dentist in your neighborhood, tools and more information.

About the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is the recognized authority on children's oral health. As advocates for children's oral health, the AAPD promotes evidence-based policies and clinical guidelines; educates and informs policymakers, parents and guardians, and other health care professionals; fosters research; and provides continuing professional education for pediatric dentists and general dentists who treat children. Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not-for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Its 10,000 members provide primary care and comprehensive dental specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and individuals with special health care needs.