There are few problems that confound dentists more than a very young child with a large number of decayed teeth. Tooth decay is the most common infection in children. It is also the most preventable. Treating tooth decay can be traumatic for the child and the parents. The cost of treating several teeth can tax a family’s savings.
Many years ago, a 3-year-old child came to my office suffering with a painful tooth. This child had never been to a dentist. Already, I was concerned because the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Family Practitioners, the American Dental Association and other medical and dental organizations agree that children should first see a dentist by the time they are a year old. A review of the child’s health record revealed a healthy young lady except for a diet abnormally high in sugary foods and soda.
A thorough examination, including a full set of X-rays revealed decay in nearly all of her teeth. About six back teeth were so badly decayed that they would need to be removed. The young lady’s mother took this news well. However, when I asked her to stop giving soda to this young child, the mother was obstinate. She would not deny soda to her child. Her child wants it, so she would give it to her - in a baby bottle.
I convinced the mother to allow me to examine her 18-month-old before she left. This child had no decay on her 16 baby teeth. I pleaded with the mother to remove soda from the diet of the older child and not to offer it to the toddler. She told me that she would think about it. With trepidation, I watched them leave my office.
I received a report from an oral surgeon that the 3-year-old had six teeth extracted while under anesthesia. In spite of repeated calls from me and my staff asking to see the children again, I didn’t hear from this family again for three more years.
The next time I saw the two children, the older girl was six years old. She came into my office smiling a black, toothless smile. Her back teeth were missing or decayed. Her front teeth were decayed and coming out naturally due to her age.
The little sister’s teeth bothered her. The mother said that she could not sleep due to pain. When I examined this child, her teeth looked like her sister’s had three years before. Once again, I discussed home care and diet with the children’s mother. Once again, I was told that the little girls were being offered soda as they requested it without regard to the sugary drinks’ effects on their teeth or even the effect of the high doses of caffeine on their health. Once again, she stated that she gives her daughters cola because they want it. Later, the children’s father echoed their mother’s comments.
There is little a dentist can do for the children of parents who refuse to follow their recommendations. They showed up on time for their appointments. This family could afford the dental treatment the children needed. The children were happy to cooperate. I continue to have a horrible, sick feeling every time I think of these lovely children and their parents who refused my heart-felt advice.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
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