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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Michelle B.

If we lived in closer proximity, we would see Dr. Thoms for all of our dentistry needs. As it is, we happily made the 2.25 hour trip three times for my daughter's root canal and crown. Dr. Thoms and the entire team were expert, kind, and compassionate.
We could not ask for more!

Ruby W.

Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

Susan B.

Best experiences ever. My two special needs children need sedation dentistry and see Dr. Thoms. Dr. Thoms is so kind, caring and reassuring. He truly has a special gift in treating people with special needs. So grateful to be his patients.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide care in a supportive and reassuring environment.

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

Julie S.

We absolutely love the Dental Anesthesia Center. From the staff to the doctors - everyone is amazing. They are caring, kind and efficient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with our team.

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.