My daughter has a handful of adorable friends who are six years old and under being treated for cavities, and (in two cases) root canals. I can attest to the fact that these children are from excellent homes where regular, daily brushing is definitely taking place. It all got me wondering what on earth is causing such dental drama. I reached out to my daughter’s dentist at Bitesize pediatric dentistry in Williamsburg. I asked her dentist, Rupin Malhotra, some important questions that I was dying to get answers to about all of our kids’ teeth. I hope you all find these questions relevant, and his answers helpful! I must also say, personally, that I recommend going to Bitesize for your child’s first (or next) dental experience, if you can, because they truly believe in prevention and are extremely caring and sensitive toward the children there too~Rebecca Conroy
1) What is causing so many young children these days to develop cavities and need root canals? It seems like back in the 80’s when I was young, no one ever had a root canal- much less a cavity- at the rate that is happening now.
Dental cavities or dental caries is the most common infectious disease of childhood. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavity rates have actually increased for toddlers and preschoolers over the past 20 years. Changing dietary habits, specifically more processed sugary foods, and poor oral hygiene have contributed to this increase.
2) What can parents do on a daily basis to prevent dental problems with their children?
Brushing teeth at least two times a day, and flossing once a day play an important role in preventing tooth decay. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and low sugar diet are important. Your child should also see the dentist twice a year for a check up and cleaning.
3) Are sealants a cure-all? Why don’t all children receive sealants right away to prevent decay from occurring?
Sealants are recommended to protect teeth that have deep grooves. They help prevent cavities on the biting surface of the teeth. But they will not protect against cavities that arise in between teeth. (Regular brushing and flossing is key to preventing such cavities). Typically they are placed on 6 year and 12 year molars. Often, baby teeth have a much flatter anatomy with shallow grooves that don’t necessitate sealants. But occasionally, some baby teeth can benefit from sealants. Ask your dentist if they recommend sealants for your child’s teeth.
4) Are XRays really necessary on young children? What are the new XRays like compared to those we grew up with?
X-rays are a good diagnostic tool to detect cavities in their infancy in addition to other dental problems. When cavities are detected in their earliest stage, it is often possible to reverse them with topical fluoride and good home care rather than placing a filling. That being said, x-rays are not always necessary. A child’s age, diet, history of cavities, and oral hygiene should always be taken into account before determining a need for x-rays. You should always have your dentist explain why they feel x-rays are necessary for your child.
5) How often should children be seeing a dentist, and starting when?
Children should see the dentist twice a year. We recommend they should have a dental home by age 1. This will allow us to provide parents with anticipatory guidance with what they can expect as the mouth develops. It also creates a resource that parents can always consult whenever they have an issue or concern about their child’s mouth. Also it will go along way to reducing any apprehension in their child if they have been seen regularly by the dentist at such a young age.
6) If a parent is torn between getting their child a root canal and pulling the tooth (which I know a few are!), what would you recommend for baby teeth? Getting a root canal seems very invasive and the anesthesia worries some parents…
That is a discussion the parents should have with their dentist. There are occasions where an extraction may be the better option than a baby root canal. But the amount of local anesthesia that a child would require for either procedure is the same. With regards to a root canal being invasive…”baby root canal” is a term used to help parents understand the procedure. But in actuality, it is quite different than a root canal that would be performed on an adult tooth. If parents are concerned about the invasiveness of the procedure, they should always ask the dentist to explain what is actually involved in treating the tooth.
7) Why are baby teeth important to stay on top of?
Baby teeth play an important role in our development. Children lose their last baby at age 12. Children with poor oral health are three times more likely than their counterparts to miss school with tooth pain. Baby teeth also play an important role in “holding space” for subsequent adult teeth. When a child loses baby teeth prematurely due to a cavity or infection it can sometimes cause complications for subsequent adult teeth.
8) How has anesthesia and pain medication changed for children these days?
The anesthesia and pain medications currently used in dentistry are very effective. Procedures can be performed in such a way that children feel no discomfort. However, often times it is more about managing a child’s anxiety level than it is managing their pain.
9) Tell us about Bitesize
Bitesize Pediatric Dentistry’s mission is to instill value of oral health in our patients at an early age. We provide specialized dental services for children and adolescents. We focus on preventive care to help each of our young patients maintain a happy and beautiful smile. We understand the importance of establishing a good oral hygiene regimen early in a child’s life, and are committed to giving our patients the knowledge and care they will need to maintain healthy teeth.
10) How often should parents be replacing their childrens’ toothbrushes?
Adults and children should change their toothbrush every 3 months because they become worn out and are not as effective as they once were.
RUPIN MALHOTRA, D.D.S. – PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Dr. Rupin Malhotra lives in Greenpoint with his wife and newborn son. He is dedicated to providing his patients with healthy and happy smiles. Dr. Malhotra received both his undergraduate and dental degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. After completing a one year General Practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, he worked as a general dentist in the tri-state area. During this time in private practice, he decided to focus on pediatrics. He then completed his Pediatric Residency Training at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he served as chief resident. Dr. Malhotra is a clinical instructor of pediatric dentistry at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where he enjoys teaching and training residents. He is a member of several professional organizations including: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, and New York Dental Association.
My daughter has a handful of adorable friends who are six years old and under being treated for cavities, and (in two cases) root canals. I can attest to the fact that these children are from excellent homes where regular, daily brushing is definitely taking place. It all got me wondering what on earth is causing such dental drama. I reached out to my daughter’s dentist at Bitesize pediatric dentistry in Williamsburg. I asked her dentist, Rupin Malhotra, some important questions that I was dying to get answers to about all of our kids’ teeth. I hope you all find these questions relevant, and his answers helpful! I must also say, personally, that I recommend going to Bitesize for your child’s first (or next) dental experience, if you can, because they truly believe in prevention and are extremely caring and sensitive toward the children there too~Rebecca Conroy