Regular Visits to a Marietta Pediatric Dentist Reduces Risk of Cavities

Tooth cavities, or decay, remains to be the top chronic childhood illness among children, and a dental problem that could negatively affect their eating, speaking, and even learning abilities. If left untreated, not only will tooth decay hamper their social development and lower their self-esteem, but it can also lead to health conditions that can carry on until adulthood.

Ideally, your child should have seen a dentist as soon as he turns a year old or when his first tooth appears, and visits to his pediatric dentist in Marietta should be done once every six months after the initial appointment. Take note, however, every set of teeth is different, wherein some need constant dental attention and treatment, and for others, the twice-a-year dental visit is more than enough.

According to a 2010 study conducted by the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Journal, 7.5 million children aged 6 to 12 have experienced toothache within six months, which greatly affected their performance in school. Students who experienced toothaches were likely to be absent from classes, and were four times more likely to have a low grade point average. These conditions led the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to say that the phenomenon of toothaches, often caused by tooth decay, has reached epidemic proportions, especially among younger children.

The dangers of tooth cavities or decay cannot be underestimated because the bacteria that causes them can spread from the tooth to the nerves, and could eventually enter the bloodstream, often to fatal results. Sadly, the recommended visit to the dentist during a child’s first year is not being strictly observed by most parents, as 40 percent of four-year-olds still haven’t seen a dentist for the first time. Moreover, if children were to see a dentist, 24 percent of the time it is due to tooth decay, and those who are more susceptible to cavities are least likely to have visited a dentist earlier. Not seeing a dentist early on can have a negative impact on a child’s later life, especially when they are developing their set of adult teeth, for instance, as these might not grow properly.

There is no one-size-fits-all procedure that can cater to your child’s dental needs. Furthermore, your child might experience severe anxiety when it comes to visiting a dentist, which then makes dental appointments such a difficult experience for them; however, when consulting practitioners in dentistry for children in Marietta, such as Dr. Brent Herrin from Herrin Pediatric Dentistry, you’ll easily recognize the importance of regular trips to the dentist in restoring as well as maintaining your little one’s oral and dental health.

(Source: Increasing frequency of pediatric dental visits helps prevent tooth decay, Dentistry IQ)