As the first step towards a healthy smile, pediatric dental visits help establish a lifetime commitment to oral health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses the issue of cavities, as it remains one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. While most understand that untreated cavities can result in pain and infection, many are unaware that they can also lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and even learning. What’s more, there’s a direct correlation among children with poor oral hygiene, missed school days and lower grades.
Consider the following:
- Approximately 20% of children aged 5 to 11 years old have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
- Approximately 13% of adolescents (aged 12 to 19 years old) have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
- Children aged 5 to 19 years old from lower-income families are twice as likely to have cavities, when compared to those from higher-income families.
In light of the above-mentioned statistics, pediatric dentistry plays an important role is helping prevent and reduce cavities. For example, it is estimated that fluoride alone can prevent up to one-third of cavities in baby teeth. Meanwhile, when children have access to fluoridated water, they develop fewer cavities. Finally, children who brush everyday with a fluoride-based toothpaste experience fewer cavities. Dental sealants provide another preventative solution against tooth decay. When applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, sealants create a barrier against bacteria and food particles.
Given the role of pediatric dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child visit a dentist by age one, or within six months after the first tooth emerges.
Enjoyable and Rewarding Pediatric Dentistry in East Cobb
Providing complete pediatric dentistry to residents in East Cobb and surrounding communities, Grateful Dental realizes that a child’s experience at the dentist will shape how they feel about dentistry as an adult. That’s why we create enjoyable pediatric visits for our little patients that are rewarding and fun.
To schedule your child’s dental visit with our top patient-rated dentist, Dr. Leia Porcaro, call Grateful Dental today!
