Pediatric Tooth Decay | Mercy

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Pediatric Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common disease affecting American children.

Forty-two percent of children aged 2-11 get cavities. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection and other serious health problems.

To help keep your children’s teeth healthy:

Brush their teeth with children’s fluoridated toothpaste as soon as they come in
Parents should help little ones brush
Don’t use more than the size of a grain of rice for kids under three

Use a pea-sized amount for kids over three.
Get a fluoride varnish every 3–6 months starting as soon as teeth grow in.
Don’t use over-the-counter fluoride rinse for kids under six.