It would be safe to say that the fear of cavities is a main reason why most parents encourage their children to brush their teeth. No one likes the idea have having tooth pain or experiencing that first drilling, but what happens if you or your child's dentist finds a cavity?
When a cavity is found in a baby tooth, there are options on how to treat them, such as a preventive resin or a traditional filling. Your dentist will review the options with you so you can choose together your best course of action for your child's oral health. If you are be reading this and wondering why we would fill a tooth that is only going to fall out in a few years anyway, rest assured, there is a reason!
It is estimated that 51 million school hours are lost due to dental disease each year. Imagine trying to concentrate on multiplication when your tooth hurts! Additionally, a decaying tooth can abscess causing severe pain. Cavities that are left untreated can bring a host of complications that go as far as school performance and peer relationships. Yes, those teeth are going to fall out eventually, but right now they are very important to your child.
Baby (or primary) teeth hold space in your child's mouth for the permanent teeth to grow in. Therefore, if a tooth is lost to untreated decay, the nearby teeth may shift into the empty space and actually prevent the permanent tooth from erupting properly. When this happens, a crooked smile is often a sad result.
If you find or suspect a cavity in your child's teeth, don't hesitate to have it checked out. Of course, we all desire to prevent cavities from forming, but if one sneaks in, early detection and treatment is important!
Overall, children in America have the benefit of the best oral care in the world. The care they receive is so good that only half of the children who are enrolled in our schools have ever had a cavity! We have the advantage of fluoridated water in many public supplies and dental care that is easily accessible. This is wonderful news for our children and their smiles!
Sadly though, 25% of the children we speak of are the ones who have 80% of the cavities in this demographic. Children who have special health care requirements have just that: special needs. Those children, who are chronically ill, physically impaired or developmentally disabled, are some of the children who find themselves in the 25%. Some of these children are in families that rely on Medicaid, as those with medical problems often find themselves in a position where they qualify for this benefit. But even with this benefit, only 7.8% of Medicaid dollars are spent on dental care. Almost all children who are developmentally disabled are likely to have moderate to severe gum disease, which alone can be responsible for many, many trips to the dentist. A child with Down's syndrome must have an x-ray of the neck before any dental treatment, to determine the position of their spine. If anything is awry, it may be safest to have their dental work done while they are under anesthesia.
Children fall into the at-risk category when they are from lower income families who have not placed, or have not been able to place, an emphasis on dental care. Not all community water is fluoridated, such as Mansfield, which also places these children at risk for dental disease.
Research has shown that dental disease may negatively impact a child's performance in school as the pain and discomfort from any tooth decay is distracting and impedes the ability to focus on studies and eat a healthy lunch, which fuels him or her through the day. Every child deserves to have a healthy and attractive smile. Children with healthy mouths have a better chance of a good general health. With a healthy smile, children are more likely to have confidence in their appearance.
For many children, the idea of going to the dentist instills fear. Choosing the right office for your child can help alleviate dental anxiety and shape a positive self-image. Successful oral health can be achieved by educating parents and patients about daily dental care and diet combined with periodic office visits.
The office you select to care for your children must understand the 
needs of our young and growing population. Does your dentist have the necessary tools and amenities that fit your child? Do the staff and dentist speak in a manner that a child will understand? Children need to be handled and spoken to in ways they can relate to. A good dentist for children recognizes these differences.
Every child is unique. Depending on the child’s age, different approaches may be used to manage behaviors that guide dental development. The dentist and staff will help your children avoid future
dental issues by understanding his or her individual needs.
The office you choose should have a team that caters to children. This will help provide a smooth dental visit and aid in the overall health of your child. A kind, caring dental team will leave a lasting impression on a child and the oral health education is more likely to be utilized to promote good oral health. Positive reinforcement with children is the best motivator.
Selecting the right dentist for your family will establish good oral hygiene practices that are directed by a group of caring professionals. When good habits are followed and maintained at home, it reduces the incidence of dental disease and makes for a more pleasant dental experience. By picking a dentist that best suits your child’s needs, you are being proactive in the dental health of your children.
A good dental team is continually advancing its knowledge of the best dental practices and techniques through continuing education. As professionals they understand dentistry and how it is evolving, so rest assure, the oral health of your child is in good hands.
Research the office where you would like to take your children to see if they have a special way of relating to the patients. Call and talk with the staff about how the team helps calm the fears of the children. Knowing how the office operates will provide insight in to their ability to handle children.
A reputable dental practice will be glad to discuss any concerns you may have before your child’s first visit. The dentist office should not be a scary place but one that helps build self-confidence and productive dental habits that will last a lifetime.
To set up an appointment for
your child, call Playtime Dental today, (419) 774-7529.
