Increasingly, more preschoolers are requiring extensive dental work due to cavities in their baby teeth. Parents are finding that their preschoolers need root canals on molars, fillings and crowns. Given the extensive nature of the work needed, general anesthesia is often needed in order for young children to sit through the painful procedures. Despite dentists’ ability to treat the dental health needs of children more aggressive, a significant portion of these procedures can be prevented. Dentists suggest using fluoride toothpaste, drinking fluoridated tap water, visits to the dentist by age 1, and eliminating snacking and juices particularly at bedtime. Despite the challenges that parents face when it comes to keep their children’s mouths cavity-free, more prevention education is needed to help reduce dental decay in children.
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