A two and a half-year old in Seattle had two incisors extracted, root canal surgery on a molar, and fillings and crowns on eleven of his twenty baby teeth due to cavities.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) in Atlanta has noticed an increase in cavities among preschoolers. And dentists in Atlanta are seeing more and more preschoolers with six to ten cavities or more. Given such levels of decay, dentists are often opting to use anesthesia because children are not capable of sitting through such prolonged procedures.
These dental problems are preventable. But many parents say that they were not told when they should take their children to the dentist or when their children should start using fluoride toothpaste. Endless snacking and juice or other sugary drinks at bedtime seems to one of the causes of this problem. Bottled water is also a major contributor since it does not have fluoride in it like tap water.
A person’s socioeconomic status is only part of the problem. In fact, most dentists attribute this problem to negligent parenting across all social levels. Parents should have their children seen by a dentist by the age of one so that potential cavity risks can be assessed. Dentists also advise less snacking and only four ounces of juice per day. Brushing after eating and sweets and xylitol lollipops is also highly recommended.
Many studies have shown that children who undergo general anesthesia to treat dental decay end up with cavities again. In one case, a three-year old entered the operating room for his second round of dental work holding a bottle of Coca-Cola.
Attorney Robert J. Fleming has been handling wrongful death cases, automobile accident cases, personal injury cases, dental malpractice and medical malpractice lawsuits for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 20 years in and around Atlanta, Georgia and its surrounding areas, including Alpharetta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, College Park, Conyers, Duluth, Decatur, Doraville, Hapeville, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Peachtree City, Riverdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, and Smyrna. If you have been seriously injured and would like quality legal representation, contact Robert J. Fleming directly on (404) 525-5150 or contact us online.