What is “Dental Caries”?

Tooth decay has been part of many people’s lives for millennia and is still the single most prevalent disease of US children. The scientific understanding of the disease process that causes holes in teeth has improved dramatically over recent decades. With that understanding, comes a more reliable approach to cavity prevention in children along with new professional recommendations on risk-assessment, disease management, when to first see a dentist, and the need to establish a “dental home” where each child receives ongoing care tailored to his or her unique needs. The purpose of this report is to provide information to assist you in keeping your child(ren) cavity-free by clarifying the multi-factorial nature of dental caries.