Parents and caregivers role in reducing the risk for early childhood caries.
Cavities in children ages 2 to 5 increased from 24 percent to 28 percent between 1988-1994 and 1999-2004 and is still on the rise. Parents and caregivers should provide a well balanced diet but stop unrestricted, at-will consumption of liquids, beverages and foods containing fermentable carbohydrate which can contribute to decay after eruption of the first tooth.
Provide proper oral hygiene practices, such as cleaning an infant’s teeth following consumption of foods, liquids, containing fermentable carbohydrates. Periodically check your child teeth at home as directed by your child dentist. A baby should have their first dental visit by the time their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday