Pediatric Dentistry
Dentistry for children, from infancy through puberty, includes the practice of preventative dental care as well as education and research in the field of pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists are experts in all facets of children’s dental health care. They also provide dental therapy for ill and disadvantaged children that are tailored to their specific needs.
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Everything You Need To Know About Pediatric Dentistry
Conditions that treat under it
At least twice a year, children should see their pediatric dentist. Your baby’s first dental appointment should be arranged no later than six months after the appearance of the first tooth.
Children are susceptible to several different oral health issues:
- Tooth decay or cavities are other names for dental caries
- A cleft lip and palate is a birth defect that interrupts the development of the teeth
- Even before their permanent teeth sprout, orthodontic therapy may cure severe bite abnormalities in youngsters
- Traumatic incidents, such as vehicle accidents, may produce facial injuries, such as scarring
Every six months, children should see a pediatric dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning. By maintaining the mouth and teeth healthy for the duration of one’s life, these examinations help lower the risk of illness.
Additionally, children of all ages are susceptible to other common pediatric dental conditions, such as:
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion is the slow but irreversible loss of tooth enamel. Acidic beverages and snacks are to a fault (with a pH below 5.0-5.7). Permanent teeth degrade less than primary teeth. The enamel of primary teeth is thinner and less mineralized.
Dental erosion affects 10% to 80% of children. In most cases, no treatment is required. A pediatric dentist may advise nutritional, behavioral, or lifestyle changes. If the problem worsens, fillings may be necessary.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a condition in which the gingival tissues become inflamed without any bone or connection being lost.
Gingivitis is a dangerous ailment, but it’s rare in the early stages of the primary dentition since the teeth are still developing (baby teeth). This is because children’s plaque is less dense than adults’.
If a kid has gingivitis, a pediatric dentist will advise brushing and flossing as well as expert dental care.
Pediatric Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it may progress into periodontitis, a deadly dental disease affecting the gums and jawbone. Periodontal disease causes gums to get red, recede, or bleed.
Also, this condition mostly affects teenagers and adults. Scaling and root planning may help treat PD. Cleaning the gaps between your teeth and gums (deep cleaning).
Treatment Options
Sealants and fluoride are two common preventative dental treatments for youngsters. Both of these procedures assist keep teeth healthy by reducing the risk of developing cavities.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride ions are found in rocks and soil. Following thorough teeth cleaning, dental hygienists apply topical fluoride to your child’s teeth, helping to prevent cavities and preserve primary tooth enamel strength. Adding fluoride to your water may help prevent dental plaque buildup, which may contribute to tooth decay.
Baby Tooth Extractions
If a child’s baby teeth are badly decaying or broken, they may need to be removed. Over-retention of primary teeth may also be a frequent cause for extractions; this occurs when teeth become loose and subsequently tighten back into the gums, inhibiting the emergence of permanent teeth.
Space Maintainers
The use of space maintainers is common when a kid loses a primary tooth early because of decay, illness, or trauma. Maintainers keep the mouth from becoming too crowded and crooked when the permanent teeth come in.
Sealants
For back molars, sealants are applied to the chewing (occlusal) surfaces, and they create “physical barriers” in the tooth cavities. For up to ten years, they provide effective, painless, and safe protection for a child’s teeth from acquiring cavities. Sealants for permanent teeth may be applied to adults as well, although this procedure is less usual.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns (SSC) are metal caps used to repair damaged or decayed newborn molars. SSCs are a good alternative to cavity fillings for children’s teeth if cavity fillings fail. They may save a child’s permanent tooth until a permanent crown can be constructed.
Mouthguards
Children’s mouthguards, particularly for athletes, are prevalent. It is a protective device that reduces the danger of soft tissue injuries to teeth, face, lips, jaw, and gums.
When to See a Doctor?
Pediatric dentists focus on children’s dental health from infancy through adolescence. They have the training and skills to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth.
Baby teeth appear in the first six months of life. A child’s first set of teeth fall out at the age of 6 or 7 and are replaced by secondary, permanent teeth. Without adequate dental care, children risk developing oral diseases that cause lifelong discomfort and difficulties.
Conclusion
A pediatric dentist has the skills and training to care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. When your physician recommends a dental exam for your kid, you can be confident that a pediatric dentist will give the greatest treatment.