Research in certain underdeveloped nations as well as U.S. inner-city populations has shown infant malnourishment may contribute to a condition called hypoplasia, or a poor development of the tooth's enamel. If the enamel, or hard surface that protects the tooth from decay, does not develop perfectly in the baby while he or she is in the mother's womb, that infant will be higher risk for tooth decay once the mother passes on the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is this passage of bacteria that also presents researchers with another challenge, he said. Earlier research suggested mothers pass on the bacteria causing tooth decay to the child, between the 22nd and 26th month. If further research shows that the dental decay process can start at a very young age, then parents will have to do a better job of bringing their children to the dentist by the child's first birthday, as recommended by the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Parents wait too long to bring their child into the dental office.
On average, most children don't see the dentist until age four. Dr. Tinanoff said researchers are taking a closer look at diet and its effect on tooth decay in infants and young children. Recent research has pointed out many fruit juices and infant formulas put infants at significant risk for tooth decay while milk may not be as cavity-causing as was once thought. Recent educational approaches have had mixed results, Dr. Tinanoff explained. Intensive education programs using manuals, counseling booklets, posters and bumper stickers with messages about preventing tooth decay had only limited success.