Approximately 80 percent of tooth decay in the U.S. is suffered by 25 percent of the country's children, according to the National Institutes of Health. Decay can be debilitating to children resulting in missed school and poor nutrition. If you or someone you know has children here are some key points to remember with baby teeth:
1. They are essential to maintain, because the are the space holders for the permanent teeth, therefore without them the permanent teeth can erupt into poor positions creating an even greater problem.
2. Baby teeth are whiter and weaker because they have much thinner enamel than permanent teeth, therefore brushing 2x/day and flossing before bed is ESSENTIAL!
3. Parents/Guardians should help children brush their teeth till the age of 8-10yrs. Children's manual dexterity is not as great as an adult's, and also their perception of brushing for 2min is often 10 seconds!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!!
Cheers,
Sarah Jebreil, DDS