The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that caries is perhaps the most prevalent infectious disease in US children. By the time they reach kindergarten, more than 40% of children have caries. To prevent oral disease, parent education and oral hygiene practices must begin in infancy. It is important that providers know how to educate parents on when a dental home should be established for their children. Bringing a child to the dentist early is important for parent education on oral hygiene practices, oral habits, dietary counseling, and to have an exam completed on the child to ensure oral health.
