If there is tooth decay in baby teeth, it can easily lead to tooth decay in adult teeth. Untreated tooth decay in a child can cause an infection that could affect the entire body and even be life threatening.
The terrible pain and embarrassing tooth loss that come from dental disease can lead to poor nutrition, slow speech development, missed school, poor concentration at school and reduced self-esteem. Oral health is an important part of your child’s overall health. Prevent tooth decay now and you will help your child’s health for years to come.
One in 3 Arizona children under the age of 3 has experienced tooth decay.
Arizona children have an average of 5 teeth with tooth decay, a rate that is more than three times the national average.
Tooth decay (cavities) is the most common, long-lasting disease among children. It is 5 times more common than asthma.
Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health Services, Public Health Prevention Services, Office of Oral Health: Arizona Dental Survey of Preschool Children, 1994-1995.
Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health Services, Public Health Prevention Services, Office of Oral Health: Arizona School Dental Survey, 1999-2003.
Beltran-Aguilar ED, Barker LK, Canto MT, Dye BA, Gooch BF, Griffin SO, Hyman J, Jaramillo F, Kingman A, Nowjack-Raymer R, Selwitz RH, Wu T; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Surveillance for dental caries, dental sealants, tooth retention, edentulism, and enamel fluorosis--United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2002. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2005;54:1-43. Abstract PubMed.
US Department of Health and Human Services. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health; 2000.
Primary, or "baby", teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew, they also help guide adult teeth into their proper place. 
