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Kids’ Tooth Cavity Epidemic in US

Tooth decay is extremely preventable, but it is still one of the most common chronic conditions in the country. In fact, more kids have tooth decay than have asthma or respiratory allergies. Nearly half of children under 11 have had cavities in baby teeth while one-fifth have cavities in adult teeth.

Tooth decay in children has reached epidemic proportions. Thousand Oaks dentist Dr. Sharon Shamoiel takes the dental health of you and your family as seriously as you do, and we will give you the tools you need to keep your child’s smile strong and healthy for a lifetime, free of tooth decay.

Early Childhood Habits

Early childhood tooth decay is now more common and often found in babies who sleep with bottles or while nursing. It also occurs in toddlers and young children who walk around with sippy cups. This constant contact with sugary substances feed oral bacteria, which then release acidic byproducts that decay the enamel. If these bacteria infect the nerve of the tooth, it becomes abscessed, and dental abscesses cause serious health problems and even death.

Good Dental Habits

Good dental habits start early. Use a soft cloth to clean your baby’s gums and a soft-bristled toothbrush and smear of toothpaste to brush your toddler’s teeth. Avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle or allowing him or her to sleep on the breast. Your child should also visit Dr. Sharon Shamoiel, our Thousand Oaks kids dentist, by the time he or she is a year old and begin a regular schedule of dental checkups.

Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.