Cavities in Children – Voice of Muscatine Feature February 2016

Cavities in Children

Treating cavities in young children can be challenging.  It is one of the many reasons I went back for an additional two years of training to learn sedation and other behavior management techniques after earning my dental degree.  While cleanings, exams, x-rays, crowns, fillings, and extractions are a large part of what I do; I also spend time educating families on prevention.

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advocate for the first dental visit to take place when the first tooth erupts, or by age one (whichever is sooner).  This first visit will establish a child’s dental home and provide education on prevention.

In addition to a clinical examination what happens after the infant exam is also important.  I provide caregivers with information on changes that their child will see in the future.   I sit down with parents and discuss tooth eruption, teething, non-nutritive habits, diet, oral home care, trauma prevention, and what causes cavities.

There is also a benefit to taking a child to the dentist before any treatment is needed.  It allows a child to become familiar with their pediatric dentist and have positive visits so that if any treatment is required in the future it will be a much easier experience.

Dr. Jarod Johnson, Pediatric Dentist