What Keeps a Philadelphia Pediatric Dentist Busy?

Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition U.S. schoolchildren face today. According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, this problem affects 25 percent of children aged 2 to 5 years old and 50 percent of 12 to 15 year olds. It’s a problem shared by the rest of the world, as it is estimated that 60 to 90 percent of schoolchildren in industrialized countries also suffer from tooth decay in some way. That said, tooth decay isn’t the only thing that keeps a pediatric dentist in Philadelphia busy all year.

Dentists also have to deal with periodontal disease, which is often the result of untreated childhood tooth decay. What makes periodontal disease problematic is that it causes the gums to bleed, which can lead to infection thanks to the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Without immediate attention, periodontal disease can result in tooth loss, or even bone damage to the jaw if the infection is very extensive.

Canker sores, though far less scary, are just as common as tooth decay. Pediatric dentists refer to canker sores as ‘aphthous ulcers’, which are often characterized by whitish or graying sores inside the mouth. Canker sores usually go away after two weeks, although a dentist can make the process easier for the child by prescribing topical agents and antibacterial mouthwash.