There are many unknown realities of dental decay in children and it is up to the dental profession, along with concerned parents, educators and community leaders to partner and make an impact in the health of our children.

According to the Surgeon General's report, "Oral Health in America," dental decay is the second most common chronic disease in childhood. It is second only to the common cold and almost all Americans have experienced decay at one point in their lives.

The good news is that decay is 100% preventable with the low cost of regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist. Did you know that brushing your child's teeth only takes about three minutes a day? The rewards last a lifetime and prevention starts with education.

WHERE DO I START WITH MY OWN CHILD?

It is important to take your child to the dentist before they have a problem. Decay can be very sneaky and can start soon after teeth begin to emerge. Do not let beautiful front teeth fool you. They can be perfectly healthy while the back teeth have decay. Examining your own child's teeth is good for parent and child. It gets the child used to having someone looking in the mouth. If brown spots are observed, there is a good chance it is decay. Healthy teeth are uniform and white in appearance.

If you have children that are Pre K to the 2nd grade, you can download a free coloring book and teacher’s guide to help your child understand what tooth decay is. In the program, they will meet Diggy Decay and the Magic Team.

Home exam is important for many reasons.

Beautiful smiles do not always mean healthy teeth. Do not forget to check back teeth. It is easy to examine children's teeth. Simply look for discoloration as a sign of decay. In the above picture, the brown stain on the middle tooth is actual decay. Do not hesitate to call your dentist.

Decay left unchecked can lead to serious problems and life-threatening infections and/or treatment in a hospital setting. Read "A Parents Story" to learn more.

Decaying teeth create suffering, disfigurement and emotional distress. Tooth infection is not only painful, but can spread to other parts of the body. Children with pronounced decay may need to be put to sleep for surgery.

If you have children aged 4-8, you can download a great educational program that includes an activity book for the child and a teacher’s guide for you. You and your child will have a great time learning about Diggy Decay and the Magic Team.