The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted an increase, the first in 40 years, in the number of preschoolers with cavities in a study eight years ago. Dentists nationwide say they are seeing more preschoolers at all income levels with 6 to 10 cavities or more. The level of decay, they added, is so severe that they often recommend using general anesthesia because young children are unlikely to sit through such extensive procedures while they are awake.

In 2010, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) sponsored a survey to see what moms knew about proper oral health care for their children. The survey results found that a staggering number of moms were misinformed about the importance of infant dental visits and proper at-home care.

Among the survey results:

• An overwhelming 97 percent of respondents didn't know their children needed to visit the dentist before their 1st birthday.
• Children who wait to have their first visit until age two or three are more likely to require restorative and emergency visits.
• Taking young children to the pediatric dentist before their first birthday will result in better oral hygiene as they develop and 40% lower dental cost in the first five years.

Want more information on properly caring for your child's teeth? Go to www.aapd.org, click on Resource Center and select Parent Resources and click FAQ.

One of our employees took her young son Adrian for his first dental cleaning at Aventura Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. The video of this visit is absolutely adorable. Watch the video and you will fall in love with Adrian.