Though we don’t often think about it, Fargo children as young as 9 or 10 months of age can be infected with cavity producing bacteria, which causes cavities and tooth decay. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost 20% of children 2-5 have untreated cavities, and the percentage rises in children over 6. 1
Tooth decay, if left undetected or untreated in Fargo toddlers and children can result in altered eating habits, delayed speech development, and create an unhealthy environment for permanent tooth development. Healthy baby teeth lead to healthier permanent teeth later in life.
Fargo mothers who practice preventive dental and oral care during prenatal and postnatal periods can better protect her child from cavities. Fargo parents and care providers should not prop a bottle for their baby in a crib or car seat, avoiding 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 Fargo parents check regularly for chalky white or brown spots which could indicate the beginning of decay.2
Fargo cosmetic dentists and Fargo pediatric dentists 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 Designer Smiles in Fargo call 701-298-9400 today! Our high tech staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.
1 ‘ Untreated Dental Caries in Children,’ CDC.gov, February 9, 2011,https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/oral-health.htm/, accessed on February 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 February 6, 2012
