AboutStephen J. Moss Expertise I am a professor emeritus at New York University, with a background that includes extensive research, scientific writing and biology. I also am an international consultant in health education, particularly in developing education on new science for health professionals and consumers. I am a past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, former head of the NYU Division of Oral Biology and I represent the World Dental Federation at the United Nations. I travel around the world to provide health education to professionals and consumers.
Experience Having retired from New York Universit, where I directed the pediatric dentistry training program, a walk-in dental clinic and research on oral biology, I formalized my professional and consumer health education initiative in the form of Health Education Enterprises. This entity consults and provides information on new science pertaining to oral and general health, particularly leading edge concepts that can be employed in the health professions to improve the public's health. As such, I am an expert in communicating new science and its usefulness to professional and lay audiences alike. I also had a pediatric dentistry practice in New York City for nearly 30 years.
Organizations I am affiliated with the American Dental Association, the World Dental Federation, the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry among other formal organizations. My experience has included a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and work at the Forsythe Dental Research Center
Publications lpha Omegan USA, Nowa Stomatologia Poland, Journal of Public Health Dentistry, The Journal of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry USA, News Bulletin Japan, Journal of Marmara University Dental Faculty Turkey, Italian Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Italy, Asian Dentist Singapore, The Journal of the Israel Dental Association Israel, ROBRAC Brazil, Italian Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
Italy, FDI World, STOMA Portugal, Pediatric Dentistry The Philippines, Modern Stomatology Bulgaria, Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry India
Education/Credentials I obtained a doctor of dental science (DDS) degree, a master of science degree and am a board certified pediatric dentist.
Question Good Morning, My Four year old just returned from the dentist and I was informed that she has 8 cavities. At first, I was somewhat bothered by the news but became rather upset when I heard that the treatment being recommended was to have the teeth capped. I was also informed that the capping, which occurs under general anesthesia, would not happen until October 2009, due to a back log of cases. This made me even more concerned. Are there other treatments available? I am concerned that the teeth could deteriorate to the point where infection may set in. The dentist is currently unavailable and is not able to answer any of my questions. If you can provide me some background and whether or not there are alternatives available. Many thanks in advance.
Answer Dear Timothy,
Your daughters top front teeth have a condition that is called today Early Childhood Caries. You can search it on the internet.
A good alternate treatment is wiping the teeth daily with a piece of gauze that has a little bit fluoride toothpaste that you put on it.
Shine the teeth like you were shining a penny.
This will stop the decay from progressing.
As for general anesthesia my opinion is no. The risk benefit ratio just doesn't work. General anesthesia is life threatening and four primary teeth are not worth the risk.
Timothy, don't permit yourself to get rushed into some treatment plan, there is nothing unusual or dangerous happening.
Wait it out and the your daughter can probably keep the teeth for the year or two before they fall out.
All the best,
DR. Moss
