Though we don’t often think about it, Encinitas children as young as 9 or 10 months of age can be infected with cavity-producing bacteria, which cause cavities and tooth decay. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost 20% of children 2 to 5 have untreated cavities, and the percentage rises in children over 6. 1
Tooth decay, if left undetected or untreated in Encinitas toddlers and children, can result in altered eating habits, delayed speech development, and an unhealthy environment for permanent tooth development. Healthy baby teeth lead to healthier permanent teeth later in life.
San Marcos CA mothers who practice preventive dental and oral care during prenatal and postnatal periods can better protect their children from cavities. Encinitas parents and care providers should not prop a bottle for their baby in a crib or car seat, avoid nighttime bottle or breast feeding, and clean their child’s teeth with a cloth or soft baby toothbrush as soon as they erupt. It is also recommended that Encinitas parents check regularly for chalky white or brown spots which could indicate the beginning of decay.2
San Marcos CA cosmetic dentists and Carlsbad pediatric dentists in the Encinitas area advise taking your child to his first dental appointment six months after the first tooth appears, or around his first birthday, to begin discussing fluoride prescriptions and other preventive care issues.
To set up your toddler’s first dental check-up at La Costa Dental Excellence in Carlsbad call 760-633-3033 today! Our staff is committed to excellence and will be happy to answer all of your questions.
1 ‘ Untreated Dental Caries in Children,’ CDC.gov, February 9, 2011,https://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsUntreatedCavitiesKids/, accessed on Feb 6, 2012
2 ‘Cavities in Kids: The Truth,’ Medicine Net.com, July 7, 2004, https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12465, accessed on Feb 6, 2012