Delta Dental conducted a survey among dentists who reported on more than one in four of their patients who are children had a cavity in the past year. (reported February 1, 2013) Cavities are preventable so what is going on?

According to the press release, the survey results indicate that people need to brush up on some critical children’s dental health habits, including the basics of brushing and flossing. Seventy-five percent of the parents surveyed stated that they share eating utensils or drinking glasses with their children also sharing cavity-causing bacteria. The benefit of brushing for children comes from brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time. And then there is flossing. Only 23 percent of the parents surveyed said their children floss daily.

Dr. Johnstone suggests starting children using a tooth brush at a very young age and for parents to recognize the importance of primary or baby teeth. Healthy baby teeth can help with having healthy permanent teeth. He recommends a first dental visit soon after they get their first tooth even if to meet the dentist, count teeth, ride in the dental chair or watch others in the family get their teeth cleaned.

If you have questions about your children’s teeth please contact us at Lyons Dental.