Cavities in Children Are On The Rise
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. is experiencing the first increase in 40 years in the number of preschoolers who have cavities. After four decades of diminishing numbers, dentists are now seeing more young children with tooth decay making it the most prevalent chronic disease among children.
If children don’t receive treatment for cavities, baby teeth can prematurely fall out and cause adult teeth to come in incorrectly. Multiple cavities can also mean an uncomfortable trip to the dentist when receiving several fillings. And cavities at a young age can result in more serious dental problems as children get older if behaviors do not change.
Sugary beverages and sweets may be the cause for the jump in tooth decay. Brushing daily with fluoride toothpaste is important after consuming candy or beverages loaded with sugar but change in behavior is also key in preventing decay.
Cavities and difficult trips to the dentist can be prevented with the help of behavior modification, regular dentist visits early on, and parental help. Parents have the ability to control what a child eats and monitor their teeth cleaning habits while regular visits allow a pediatric dentist like Dr. Baldwin to spot issues before they become more serious.
NJ pediatric dentist Dr. Baldwin works with parents to create an oral health plan for their child. Dr. Baldwin offers routine exams, pulpotomy (baby root canal), fluoride treatments, stainless steel crowns, fillings and restorations, extractions, cleanings, X-rays, consultations and second opinions.
Dr. Baldwin and the team at Point Pleasant Dentistry for Children in Monmouth County specialize in dental care for children and adolescents.
Dr. Baldwin graduated first in her class from UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School in 2005, where she was the recipient of the William S. Kramer Award for excellence in dentistry Dr. Baldwin went on to complete a post-doctoral training program in pediatric dentistry at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2007 where she received extensive training in the management of dental care for children with special medical needs. She continues to serve as a clinical affiliate at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
