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NJ12 Covers Pediatric Tooth Decay
Dr. Derrick Desilva from News 12 New Jersey discusses tooth decay in 2-5 year olds with Dr. Henna DeSimmone, Director of St. Joseph's Pediatric Clinic.
The last study done by the Center for Disease Control showed a 4% increase, the first increase within 40 years, in tooth decay in 2-5 year olds. Dr. DeSimmone notes children's diet changes including increased refined carbohydrates, frequency of snacks, sticky foods and fruit snacks are much more prevalant than they were decades ago. Diet counseling is a large part of the St. Joseph's Pediatric Clinic's practice getting parents and children on board and encouraging water and milk as primary beverages and avoiding soda, sports drinks and fruit juices. Dr. DeSimmone recommends brushing as early as infancy even before the first primary tooth, parents are encouraged to cleanse gums with a washcloth or wet gauze and switching to infant toothbrushes once the teeth erupt.
Children are creatures of habit, if you establish patterns of brushing in the morning and at night in early childhood the children will continue those routines later on in childhood on their own. Children should see parents going to the dentist regularly and brushing as well to set a good example. Allowing the children to have power over what they do by selecting toothbrushes and toothpaste flavors will create control in the child's behavior.
Dr. DeSimmone recommends supervising brushing all the way up to ages 7-8 and encourages parents to offer praise and make brushing fun and to use caution selecting flouride especially for young children.
If children have dental cavities early on they should still be treated even though the teeth will most likely fall out due to growing of cavities and possible pain that comes with the plaque build up. The American Pediatric Academy encourages parents and caregivers to take children to the dentist before their first birthday. Electric toothbrushes should always be appropriately sized for children and flossing is encouraged early on at least once a day.
