National Children’s Dental Health Month

Cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

You can protect and maintain your child’s teeth by following these wise simple steps below:

P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom

P: Protect Tiny Teeth E: Ensure to Wipe Babies Gums are Each Meal A: Avoid Putting Babies to Bed with a Bottle R: Remember to Brush your Child’s Teeth Twice  Daily with Fluoride Toothpaste L: Limit Drinks and Food with added sugars for Children S: Schedule your Child’s Dental Visits

More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth. More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).

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