Infants and children are not immune to oral health problems. In 2002, “Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General” found that dental caries (tooth decay or cavities) is the most chronic childhood ailment — five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.
In 2005, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that tooth decay is the most chronic disease among children aged five to 17. Oral health problems affecting infants are no less serious.