Are Infants and Children with Certain Conditions at Increased Risk for Tooth Decay?
Infants and children with the following conditions are at increased risk for tooth decay: • Infants born preterm (under 37 weeks gestation) or at low birthweight (less than 2,500 g). • Children with abnormally formed tooth enamel and other hard structures. • Children with exceptionally deep pits and fissures in the chewing surfaces of the teeth. • Children with certain health conditions (for example, gastric reflux, compromised immune system, and physical or behavioral disabilities and disorders), children on special diets high in carbohydrates, children taking medications high in sugar, and children with reduced saliva flow resulting from medication or irradiation. • Children with obvious white spots, mineral loss from the teeth, obvious decay, or obvious plaque on the teeth. • Children who have had dental restorations completed within the past 2 years. • Children whose gums bleed easily. • Children with dental appliances such as space maintainers or obturators (disks or plates that c
