First Dental Visit Within a Year of Life Can Prevent Complex Treatments, Romanian Pediatric dentist Says
bucharest, Romania – Taking children to the dentist within their first year of life is crucial for preventing future complications and potentially avoiding the need for sedation or general anesthesia during treatment, according to Arina Vinereanu, president of the National Association of Pediatric Dentistry in romania. This recommendation comes as concerns rise over the limited availability of general anesthesia for pediatric dental procedures in Romanian state hospitals.
Early dental visits establish a foundation for lifelong oral health, allowing dentists to monitor development, offer preventative guidance to parents, and address any emerging issues before they escalate. Delaying care can lead to more extensive and complex treatments later on, often requiring specialized conditions like deep sedation or general anesthesia – services increasingly difficult to access within the public healthcare system. “The opportunity is also created for regular check-ups, with a periodicity customized according to the situation, without complications setting in,” Vinereanu explained.
The development of cavities is directly linked to acid production by bacteria in the mouth. Regular checkups allow dentists to identify and address these issues in their earliest stages, frequently enough with simpler interventions. “Caries, even if they exist, can be solved in the early stages, by simpler means,” Vinereanu stated.
Vinereanu’s comments underscore a growing challenge in Romanian pediatric dentistry, highlighted by a recent Hotnews.ro interview, where it was noted that no state hospital currently offers dental treatments with general anesthesia for children – a service that was available three decades ago. This scarcity of resources emphasizes the importance of preventative care and early intervention to minimize the need for such complex procedures.
