More often than not, we see kids coming to the dentists with tooth decay. Now that we have learned how plaque and bacteria play a big role in cavities from our previous articles, it is safe to say that by the time we see these infants or toddlers with cavities, their oral health has already been compromised. During times like this, it is important to shift our parents' approach and understand that prevention is more important than treatment. After all, by taking preventative measures, we are not only building a strong foundation for our children, but also creating a healthy habit for them.
The following tables are general guides for what parents and dentists should discuss and look out for depending on the infants' or toddlers' age. Figure 1 is a table from an article by American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Figure 2 is extracted from an older article published in 1995 from the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). Both of which are essentially the same and discuss the recommended guidelines as well as topics to discuss with parents and patients based on the children's age. This should give a fair amount of introduction and reference as to what parents should expect and do to establish bright and healthy smiles for their kids. Please be sure to visit your dentist or pedodontist for consultation and evaluation of their oral health.
