Though we don’t often think about it, NYC 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 ages 2 to 5 have untreated cavities, and the percentage rises in children over 6. 1
Tooth decay, if left undetected or untreated in NYC 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.
Brooklyn mothers who practice preventive dental and oral care during prenatal and postnatal periods can better protect their children from cavities. NYC parents and care providers should not prop a bottle for their baby in a crib or car seat, should avoid nighttime bottle or breast feeding, and should clean their child’s teeth with a cloth or soft baby toothbrush as soon as they erupt. It is also recommended that NYC parents check regularly for chalky white or brown spots on teeth, which could indicate the beginning of decay.2
Brooklyn cosmetic dentists and Staten Island pediatric dentists in the 10314 zip code area suggest 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 Staten Island Dental Care in Staten Island, call 972-996-1159 today! Our friendly staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.
1 ‘ Untreated Dental Caries in Children,’ CDC.gov, February 9, 2011,http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsUntreatedCavitiesKids/, accessed on Feb 6, 2012
2 ‘Cavities in Kids: The Truth,’ Medicine Net.com, July 7, 2004, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12465, accessed on Feb 6, 2012
