The preschool cavity epidemic

Eleven cavities? One toddler? Dont jump to any conclusions about the kind of neglect that would leave a two-and-a-half-year-old in that position. Dentists nationwide say they are seeing more preschoolers at all income levels with 6 to 10 cavities or more.

The level of decay,dentists say,is so severe that they often recommend using general anaesthesia because young children are unlikely to sit through such extensive procedures while awake. Using general anaesthesia on children has risks,including vomiting and nausea,and,in very rare cases,brain damage or death. Using anti-anxiety drugs to relax a child coupled with local anaesthesia for pain has risks,too,including an overdose that may suppress breathing. Some parents said they werent aware that they needed to take their toddlers to the dentist,or even that a babys teeth needed brushing. Dentists say bottled water instead of fluoridated tap water contributes to the problem,along with juice at bedtime,and endless snacking not necessarily sugary snacking,either,since starchy foods can also cause tooth decay. Also,because some toddlers dislike tooth-brushing,some parents do not enforce it.

Many dentists were blunt about pointing a finger. Brushing teeth twice a day used to be non-negotiable,said one paediatric dentist,but not anymore. Parents,another said,rationalise the snacking habits but its whole-wheat! and the juice and soda,even after the first cavity is found.