Dr. Albert Caves, DMD, is a family dentist in Columbus, GA, and understands the importance of beginning pediatric routine dental care at an early age: it is estimated by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that more than 50% of first grade children in the U.S. have cavities and by age 18, this figure rises to 80% ! The Surgeon General has made children’s oral health a priority due to the increasing number of children who do not receive proper dental care.
With so many of our foods and beverages today containing sugars, it is more important than ever to start setting the foundation for good oral hygiene at an early age- Dr. Caves recommends bringing children in for their first visit around 3 years of age. Dr. Caves and his staff understand that some children may feel anxious about visiting the dentist and they make every effort to make them feel comfortable and relaxed in their Columbus dental office.
Preventive care visits for pediatric patients enable Dr. Caves and his staff to establish a relationship with their young patients, hopefully alleviating any anxiety they may be experiencing. Dr. Caves takes the time to educate pediatric patients on the benefits of healthy eating- parents love this! – as well as the proper ways to brush and floss at home between visits. Good at home oral hygiene can reduce tooth decay and the development of cavities. These visits also allow Dr. Caves to spot any developing dental health problems in their early stages, when conservative treatments are most effective and include the following:
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Periodontal screening (for gingivitis and gum disease)
- Dental caries (cavities) screening
Dr. Caves is a family dentist in Columbus, and many parents and caregivers appreciate the convenience of being able to bring all members of the family to the same dental practice. Children have the added benefit of being able to “go to the dentist” with their parent- this can help an anxious child feel reassured and reenforces good dental habits that can last a lifetime!