Children Dentist Warn Cavities in Youth on the Rise after a Forty Year Decline

Aug. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- Dentist for children would like to convey a recent finding from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention which states that the number of cavities found in children’s teeth has increased after a forty year decline. East Harlem Dental Plaza has seen this trend and would like to help parents and children take steps to fix this growing problem.

The cavity decline was largely due to the fluoridation of drinking water which occurred in the 1940s.  This has led some to believe that the increase of people drinking bottled water has led to greater numbers of tooth decay because of the lower fluoride intake.  

There is no research to support this idea and actually plenty to support the contrary, that children often consume more than the recommended amounts of fluoride.  This can lead to the discoloration of teeth.  Soft drinks, grape juice and pureed baby food chicken all had substantial amounts of fluoride.  And there are other easy ways for kids to get enough fluoride.

Parents are generally concerned with their child’s oral health, but often are not sure when to start.  Apparently, the sooner the better.  The first visit to the children dentist office should be around one year of age.  

East Harlem Dental Plaza is experienced in working with children.  Since teeth and gum care are still administered by the parents for these young children, the first couple of visits will focus on teaching the parents or guardians to properly brush, floss, and other preventative techniques.  

Although cavities in baby teeth that will eventually fall out anyway may not seem like a big deal, it can be.  Losing baby teeth prematurely due to cavities may result in the permanent teeth not coming in properly.  The weakening of the baby tooth can lead to the permanent tooth being more prone to damage.

There are also problems related to drilling and filling.  Kids are not known for their ability to sit still for long periods of time.  Often dentistry for kids involves general anesthesia.  This always carries a risk.

The main areas of concern are cleaning and diet.  Children should brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.  Make it fun by having them recite the alphabet in their heads or another lengthy tune to ensure they are spending enough time brushing.  Like adults, kids should visit the dentist’s office twice a year for cleanings.

Sugary drinks like juice, soft drinks, and energy drinks are dangerous to a child’s oral health.  Sticky candy also do a lot of damage.  The sugars stick to the teeth and cause corrosion.  Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in children.  If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s teeth, follow this link to find out more information.