Question:
Since the ‘90s there have been several advances to help prevent cavities in children. How well have we done with winning the war with cavities in the last 20 years?
Answer:
For children with baby teeth (primary teeth) there has been a drastic reduction in cavities and a significant improvement in completing orthodontic treatment on primary teeth found to have cavities. The disappointing finding is that cavities and completing treatment for cavities on permanent teeth in children over 8 years old has remained pretty much unchanged. The study found that children from low-income families had significantly more cavities and untreated care than wealthier, more affluent families. To help fight the cavity problem, my orthodontic office has a preventive dental hygiene and dental department.