Dental Solutions
“I love my teeth and my smile. The work was done very softly and pleasant, and Dr. Gross and his team really cared and even worked on “odd” hours as I was a bit pushed for time leaving USA for Europe. Thank you Dr. Gross – Thank you Renee and the rest of the team – You are great!”
- Pernilla
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) Protection
Miami, Florida
Tooth decay is a severe problem for many children. In fact, approximately 20% of all children carry the burden of 80% of all decay. Early Childhood Caries is a specific form of dental decay found in very young children. ECC afflicts predominantly disadvantaged youths. High-risk populations include Hispanic, African-American, and Native American children, as well as children enrolled in Head Start. The prevalence of ECC is estimated to reach as high as 90% in some Head Start populations.
Preventative Measures
Many parents still hold to the notion that tooth decay and cavities in baby teeth are no big deal since the teeth will fall out anyway. This is not true. ECC can have a variety of long-lasting effects on the oral health of a child as they mature. Being informed about the dangers and risks is essential. Here are some simple ways to prevent ECC:
- Limiting exposure to sugary and starchy foods
- Proper bottle and sippy cup use
- Proper brushing frequency and technique
- Use of fluoridated toothpaste
- Semi-annual visits to the dentist including fluoride varnish applications
The High Cost of Treating ECC
Treating ECC can be very costly because the cooperative capacity of infants and preschool children usually requires the use of general anesthesia. Treatment typically consists of restoration or surgical removal of carious teeth along with counseling parents about making changes in feeding habits. Despite this, relapse rates as high as 40% have been reported within the first year after dental surgery. High costs and failure rates like these make prevention of ECC even more crucial.
If you are in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Boca Raton area of Florida and have concerns about ECC and how it might affect your child, please contact a SmilePerfect office today.
