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OPEN WIDE: Oral Health Training for Health Professionals

Module 2: Risk Factors for Tooth Decay

Key Points

  • Infants and children who live in communities without fluoridated water, are from families with low incomes, are from some racial and ethnic minority groups, have limited or no dental insurance, have parents with less than a high school education, or have special health care needs are at higher risk for tooth decay.
  • Infants and children with poor oral hygiene or inadequate exposure to fluoride are at higher risk for tooth decay.
  • Frequent consumption of foods containing sugar increases the risk for tooth decay. Even very small amounts of these foods consumed frequently over the course of a day will create an acid environment lasting many hours.
  • Breastfeeding is associated with a low risk of developing tooth decay, compared with bottle feeding.