Neglect of Baby Teeth Can Cause More Harm That You May Think!

Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth, and proper dental care of a child’s baby teeth is essential.

Dental care often becomes a concern and a priority with most people only after they suffer pain and discomfort from a dental cavity. Many parents do not prioritize preventive dental care for their baby’s teeth, citing reasons such as, “Baby teeth are going to fall out anyway!”

The Dental Anesthesia Center provides safe pediatric dentistry care for children of all ages.

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Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth, and proper dental care of a child’s baby teeth is essential. Cavities, plaque, unpleasant odor, and tooth decay are some of the most common and chronic dental problems increasing among children at an alarming rate.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Jan R.

This dental practice is excellent with my daughter (25 y/o with autism). The entire team is kind, patient, and understanding. They take time to explain what will be happening and only recommend procedures that are truly necessary.

The staff never rushes and makes patients feel comfortable and supported. They are very in tune with sensory challenges. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a positive experience and treating everyone with dignity.

We heartily recommend Dr. Hoffmann and his team.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your daughter feels comfortable and supported. Dr. Hoffmann and our team truly appreciate your recommendation.

Monica S.

Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎

Patricia J.

Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!

abc 1.

Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing!
My son is Autistic and he loves it there.
It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.

Rafe F.

The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!

Effects of neglected dental hygiene

Pediatric dentists worldwide have always emphasized the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene among children. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to several problems for children, including the following:

1. Cavities and tooth decay among children are prevalent and is considered a chronic disease. It is highly infectious and spreads to other teeth as well. Sensitivity and pain are related discomforts.
2. It has been estimated by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) that about 23% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old in the United States have cavities in their baby or primary teeth.
3. About 20% of children ages 6 to 8 have untreated cavities and tooth decay.
4. The chances of children developing cavities in their permanent teeth are much higher if they have suffered from cavities in their baby teeth.
5. Cavities and tooth decay can cause pain, sensitivity, and difficulty in speaking and eating. Pain and discomfort can cause the child to lose focus on schoolwork and other activities.
6. When cavities are ignored, they worsen, and the deeper into the tooth they go, they affect the root. Such infections require root canals that can be very painful. Moreover, untreated tooth decay can lead to several oral infections, like abscesses. An abscess is a pus formation inside the tooth or gum that needs ER treatment. It can occasionally be fatal.
7. When primary teeth fall before time, they can cause permanent teeth to erupt incorrectly and misalign. Such problems often need corrective dental and orthodontic treatment.

Prevention is Key

Regarding dental hygiene, the adage, “Prevention is better than cure,” holds true. A few good hygiene habits, a little enforcement, and the ability to say “no” at the right time can go a long way in ensuring that children have healthy teeth – primary or permanent. Here are some things you can do.

1. Restrict free access to an excess amount of sugary food and drinks.
2. Encourage eating sweets at mealtimes so that saliva in the mouth can neutralize the acids produced.
3. Ensure that children brush twice a day.
4. Monitor children while brushing their teeth to ensure they clean them properly.
5. Avoid letting children sleep with a milk bottle or a sippy cup in their mouth.
6. Remember, even excessive fruit juice and breast milk can speed up the onset of cavities.