Tooth decay and childhood cavities seems to be parental taboos, a big blinking sign that says we have failed as parents. Tooth decay happens to children and adults across all economic lines and it is starting earlier in life. It isn’t uncommon for a preschooler to go to their first dentist appointment and have a mouth-full of cavities. Tooth decay happens, even to those that brush, floss, and use mouth wash.
When my daughter was only 3, we had a check-up and she had a cavity. I admit, I felt the shame. I was saddened and her dentist didn’t make me feel any better. In fact, they had a club and reward system for perfect teeth and my daughter was instructed that she could get a prize IF she didn’t have a cavity next time. This made my 3 year old so sad. I knew this was not the dentist for us and I switched to Dr. Adam Pollock Pediatric Dentistry in Cuyahoga Falls.
The next year, that same tooth needed a silver cap. Oh, the anguish as you can’t hide a silver cap in a child’s mouth. Thankfully, Dr. Adam Pollock and his staff were amazing! They used fun ‘kid-friendly’ language to tell my daughter what they were doing the entire time and gave her a shiny ‘top hat’ for her tooth.
She wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed and neither was I. The cap was the best thing to do so the tooth wouldn’t crack and kept the tooth in as a placeholder for permanent teeth.
Education is key. Did you know that Tooth Decay is the #1 chronic disease in children? It is little wonder as we are giving children juice boxes and snacks all day long. Some parents don’t realize that they should start cleaning baby’s teeth when they appear or that they should make your first pediatric dental appointment at least by the time they are 2 years old.
Or they don’t really think they need to follow the 2-minutes-2-times-a-day brushing rule. Some think flossing is optional, it is not and it is easy to floss kids teeth when you know how.
Left untreated, kids suffer. Tooth decay is leading cause of childhood absence from school. Tooth decay / cavities can lead to painful mouth pain, facial infections, blood poisoning, and other serious and painful medical conditions. Don’t let shame keep you from getting your children’s teeth taken care of.
How to Avoid Childhood Cavities
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss daily.
- Use mouthwash daily.
- Eat a healthy and limit between-meal snacks.
- Replace your toothbrush as directed – usually every 3-4 months, or whenever you are sick.
- Get dental checkups twice annually (read Why Dental Checkups are Important for Kids)
I blog a lot about the importance of good oral health for both children and adults.
Sometimes even when we do all the right things – brush for 2 minutes twice a day, floss daily, get twice annual check-ups, and avoid sugary foods – our kids still have tooth decay. Sometimes it is just genetics. When I was growing up, I’d brush way more than my brother and always seemed to get cavities while he didn’t. My husband has never had a cavity. How does that happen? The bottom line is, it doesn’t matter who is to blame. There should be no shame in childhood cavities but we must move on, try our best to avoid cavities and go to the dentist for regular cleanings and exams.
Since preschool, my daughter has had near-perfect teeth. My kids are very diligent about brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and going to the dentist. Going to the dentist has never been a problem, they love Dr. Pollock and his staff. They never make you feel ashamed of cavities. They are super friendly, teach techniques, and gently care for children of all ages.
Choose Dr. Adam Pollock D. D.S. Pediatric Dentistry
My family trusts and recommends Dr. Adam Pollock Pediatric Dentistry in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. They are friendly, helpful, and professional in every manner. Trips to our pediatric dentist twice a year are just as important as brushing for two minutes twice a day. If your dentist shames you or your children or if you are looking for a caring pediatric dentistry in the greater Akron, Ohio area, contact Dr. Adam Pollock Pediatric Dentistry today.
Dr. Adam Pollock D. D.S. Pediatric Dentistry
1707 Portage Trail
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
(330) 929-3091
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 1pm
Dr. Adam Pollock Pediatric Dentistry is conveniently located in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, just minutes from Akron, Stow, Munroe Falls, Kent, Hudson, Peninsula, Tallmadge, Ellet, Copley, and Fairlawn, Ohio.
Visit Dr. Adam Pollock Akron Pediatric Dentistry online and Like Dr. Adam Pollock Pediatric Dentistry on Facebook.
Visit Dr. Adam Pollock Akron Pediatric Dentistry online and Like Dr. Adam Pollock Pediatric Dentistry on Facebook. Tell them you heard about them on AkronOhioMoms.com.
