Pediatric Dentistry
Why Is Pediatric Dentistry Important?
Human beings start teething when they are as young as 6 months and the set of teeth is known as ‘milk’ teeth.
At around 6 to 7 years of age, kids start losing their milk teeth and permanent teeth start erupting. Because the milk teeth are not permanent, parents usually ignore taking their children to a dentist.
However, the milk teeth form the base of the permanent teeth and any damage to milk teeth causes damage to the permanent teeth bud. Childhood caries is also a major problem due to unhealthy diet these days. So, it is advisable to start taking care of your children’s teeth from a very early age.
Why Do We Need A Pediatric Dentist?
What Treatment Procedures Are Done By Pediatric Dentists?
- Examination of infants and teenage patients. Assessment of oral caries in mothers and their kids.
- Fluoride treatment and other procedures are done to help protect your children from developing caries
- Counselling is provided to prevent further development of deleterious habits like nail biting, thumb sucking etc.
- Correction of misaligned teeth.
- Treatment of caries
- Treatment of fractured teeth
Treatment Options For Kids
Root Canal Treatment In Milk Teeth
Children might need root canal treatment sometimes. If his or her primary teeth has been injured or if dental caries has advanced deep into the roots, a root canal treatment can help stabilize a tooth. Root canal treatment helps remove the infection from the pulp and protects the surrounding tissues and nerves.
Oral Habits In Children
Sometimes, children acquire oral habits which might temporarily or permanently harm their teeth and oral tissues. In initial stages, a child consciously does this act however later it becomes a subconscious act. Some common oral habits include thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, lip biting, grinding of teeth and nail biting.
Habit breaking appliances are provided for children in this case. Common appliances include twin block, space maintainers, head gears among others.
Preventive Treatment Options For Kids
Fluoride Application
To avoid childhood caries, you should opt for fluoride application. Fluoride helps to fight plaque and bacteria, also helping to prevent further enamel loss and the formation of cavities. Fluoride strengthens the structure of the tooth and helps in growth of bone. Under this treatment, dentists incorporate fluoride ions into the tooth structure, making them stronger and less prone to acid dissolution. This treatment is beneficial to both milk and permanent teeth.
Sealants
Sealants are plastic coating placed on the occlusal surface of the permanent growth. They protect the tooth from decay. Because of fissures, the permanent molars and premolars are vulnerable to decay. The pits and fissures act as traps, entrapping food items and leading to pit and fissure caries. So, applying sealants is a very effective method of preventing caries.
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Make sure that your kids brush twice daily, preferably before sleeping at night and after waking up in the morning. Make sure that the toothbrush is a soft bristled one. Teach your child how to floss for added protection of the teeth.