Pediatric Dentistry: Facts to Consider By Stephen Dowell, DDS on September 18, 2022

Professional dental care should be a routine part of everyone’s health care routine, and this care should start during childhood. By setting good habits early on, and by monitoring a child’s oral health from the start, many dental complications can be avoided.

At Dowell Dental Group, which serves Minerva, Carrollton, and Dover, OH, Dr. Stephen Dowell offers a comprehensive range of pediatric dentistry services to promote good oral health in children. Here Dr. Dowell presents some important pediatric dentistry facts to consider. These facts highlight the need for this line of dentistry, as well as the benefits of early intervention and dental care.

Professional Dental Care Should Start Early

Many parents do not schedule a routine dental exam and cleaning as early as is recommended. The average age that a child sees a dentist for the first time is two years or older, but the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by the time they are one year old. 

Parents may wonder why their child should see a dentist before their permanent teeth are in, or before they have any teeth at all. It is important to realize that the teeth do more than just help a child bite and chew food. They can also impact speech development. Even though the baby teeth are only temporary, they make space for a person’s permanent teeth. By monitoring the growth of the baby teeth, and by maintaining their health, professional dental services set children on the right path for good oral health and functions. 

Cavities are a Common Concern Among Children

Cavities in children are more common than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children aged six to eight have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth. This makes tooth decay the most prevalent dental condition among children, and one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the United States.

Cavities Can Affect Other Aspects of a Child’s Life

Most cavities do not cause serious side effects or complications. However, if they are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, further problems can develop. Unfortunately, tooth decay has been shown to have an effect on other aspects of a child’s life, including their schooling and academics. A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that children with poor oral health status were nearly three times more likely to miss school than their counterparts, as a result of dental pain.

Cavities are Preventable 

Although tooth decay should be a concern for any parent, the disease is not inevitable. Cavities are preventable, and pediatric dentistry services are the best tool for keeping the teeth free of decay. There are several professional services that have proven to be effective in preventing cavities. These include:

• Professional dental cleanings
• Fluoride treatment (the CDC reports that fluoride treatment can prevent around one-third of cavities in baby teeth)
• Sealants (the CDC reports that applying dental sealants to the chewing surface of the back teeth can prevent 80 percent of cavities)

Contact Us

If you have a child and are interested in learning more about the comprehensive range of pediatric dentistry services offered at Dowell Dental Group, we invite you to contact our dental practice at your earliest convenience. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Stephen Dowell, send us a message online, or call (330) 364-1414.