USA - Young kids' tooth decay hits 'epidemic' proportions

Tooth decay is largely preventable, but it remains one of the most common diseases of childhood — five times as common as asthma, and seven times as common as hay fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC says 42% of children ages 2 to 11 have had cavities in baby teeth; 21% of those ages 6 to 11 have had cavities in permanent teeth. A new education campaign by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry highlights the seriousness of dental decay in children and urges parents and caregivers to start early to prevent it. USA TODAY's Michelle Healy talks with Warren Brill, a pediatric dentist practicing in Baltimore and president of the AAPD.

Q: You say early childhood tooth decay is a serious problem that can result in severe pain, infection and tooth loss even in toddlers. Is it increasing?

A: We're reaching epidemic proportions of a rapid form of tooth decay especially in younger children, often from disadvantaged backgrounds. We're seeing increases in the rate of what we call early childhood caries (ECC) or what use to be called baby bottle tooth decay. It develops most commonly with infants and toddlers when they are put to sleep with a bottle in their mouth, put to sleep nursing, or walk around with a sippy cup. That, combined with the fact that their teeth aren't being cleaned as carefully as they should, leads to this situation.................

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