KIDS DENTISTRY

Teething occurs in humans as early as 6 months of age, when they form their primary’milk’ teeth.

Humans begin to lose their milk teeth at the age of 6-7 years, and their permanent set of teeth emerges. Some parents neglect to take their children to the dentist since the milk teeth would ultimately fall out.

These milk teeth, on the other hand, are the foundation for the development of permanent teeth. If necessary precautions are not taken, issues might arise that will last a lifetime. Caries cases in children have increased dramatically in recent years. As a result, it is usually advisable to begin caring for your baby’s teeth as soon as possible after birth.

WHY DO WE NEED A KIDS SPECIALIST?

Dentists that specialise in children’s and adolescent dentistry are known as paediatric dentists. Pediatric dentistry is a unique specialty specialised to children’s oral health, prevention, and future planning.

WHAT TREATMENT MODALITIES ARE OFFERED BY THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Pediatric Dentist work towards maintaining good oral health in kids. The treatment provided by them includes:

Infants and teenagers are examined. It includes a screening for oral caries in mothers and their children.
They are fluoride treatment experts who can protect your children’s teeth.
Doctors assist children in controlling their habits through habit counselling.
Teeth that are crooked or misaligned can be straightened.
Cavities and their treatment
Dental injuries and their treatment

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR KIDS

Root Canal Treatment In Milk Teeth

If you think your child is too young for root canal therapy, think again. This treatment is available to people of all ages. A root canal treatment to stabilise teeth may be required if your child’s primary (baby) teeth have been harmed or if decay has progressed deep into the roots of his or her teeth. The infection in the pulp, the living tissue found inside the tooth’s roots, is removed during root canal therapy. Because the pulp houses the tooth’s nerves, tooth pain is frequently a sign that decay has spread to the pulp.

Root canal treatment is a simple procedure wherein instruments are used to clean the root canals of teeth followed by inserting a medication so as to maintain the teeth properly in the oral cavity.

Oral Habits In Children

Children frequently develop habits that can be damaging to teeth and the structures that support them, either temporarily or permanently. Repetition is the key to developing these behaviours. There is a purposeful attempt to perform the act in the early phases. After a while, the act becomes less conscious, and if done frequently enough, it can reach the regions of unconsciousness. Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, lip biting, tooth grinding, and nail biting are all frequent oral habits noticed in children.

Certain habit breaking equipment assist a youngster who wishes to break a habit but is unable to do so since the habit has entered the subconscious level. They can be either removable or fixed devices.

Common Appliances in Pediatric Dentistry:

Twin Block
Frankly
Habit Breaking appliances
Space Maintainers
Head Gear

PREVENTION TREATMENTS FOR KIDS:

Fluoride Application

Dental decay is a typical problem that parents bring their children to the dentist for. This is due to the absence of sufficient brushing skill in children. To avoid tooth decay, parents should have their children’s teeth treated with fluoride at regular intervals. Fluoride aids in the fight against plaque and bacteria, which can lead to enamel loss, which leads to cavities. Fluoride also aids bone formation and strengthens tooth structure. Fluoride ions are incorporated into the tooth structure during this treatment, making it more susceptible to acid disintegration. Both milk and permanent teeth benefit from this treatment.

Sealants

Food and germs trapped in the pits and cracks of teeth are the main causes of decay. We chew food with our back teeth, which are never flat, such as molars and premolars. The depressions on these back teeth are the pits and fissures mentioned before. They operate as possible bacteria and food traps, making the food susceptible to degradation. As a result, some pits and fissure sealants are installed as a preventative precaution.

After that, dental sealants come to the rescue. Sealants are plastic coatings that are applied to the permanent tooth’s chewing surface. They guard the teeth from decay. The permanent back teeth, molars, and premolars are susceptible to deterioration due to fissures.

As we said earlier, it is critical to instil the practise of maintaining good dental health from an early age. This is an investment that will pay off in the shape of good teeth and a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. Parents should take the initiative to teach their children proper brushing technique, and it is critical that they understand proper brushing technique themselves. Make brushing a pleasurable activity for your child by brushing with them and encouraging them to practise good oral hygiene.

Toothpaste And Toothbrush

Aside from the aforementioned treatment alternatives, make sure your children wash their teeth twice a day. Brushing before bed is critical because the food you eat during the day becomes caught between your teeth, where bacteria in your mouth feed on it overnight, causing decay. Teach your child how to floss if at all possible, as it provides additional protection for your teeth.

WHAT TO PAY FOR KIDS’ DENTISTRY SERVICES?

In general, paediatric dental visits are less expensive than adult visits. The majority of services, such as cleaning and routine checkups, are reasonably priced. However, if your child’s dental health isn’t perfect, some dental treatments may cost a little more. By visiting one of our dental clinics in India, you may discover more about them in depth. Kala Dental Clinic has a team of paediatric dental specialists right in your community. It is recommended that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled when the first tooth erupts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Is The Minimum Age For Visiting A Kid’s Dentist?

When your child's first tooth erupts in their mouth, or around the time they turn one, you should take them to the paediatric dentist. Make an appointment with a paediatric dental professional at Sri Kala dental clinic

How Long Should A Child Visit A Pediatric Dentist?

Because all of a child's permanent teeth have grown out by the time they reach the age of 14, it is required that they see a paediatric dentist until they reach the age of 14. Beyond that, the youngster and his or her parents have the last say. However, until a child reaches the age of 16, it is suggested that he or she see a paediatric dentist.

When Should A Child Start Brushing?

Brushing should begin with the advent of the first tooth in youngsters. Expert children's dentists, on the other hand, recommend that the amount of toothpaste used be very small, about the size of a grain of rice.

Should Mothers Clean The Mouth Of Babies If There Are No Teeth?

Regardless of age, it is critical to maintain oral hygiene and keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. With the help of a soft towel, mothers can clean their children's mouths, including upper and lower jaws.

Is It Normal For Babies To Have A White Tongue?

In the first few weeks, most babies' tongues have a white covering, which is perfectly normal. Their oral hygiene is in perfect condition.

What Is The Importance Of Milk Teeth?

People often believe that because milk teeth erupt and fall out, they are unimportant in terms of overall oral hygiene.

They are in charge of biting, chewing, and crushing the food before it is digested.
They play a role in speech patterns and training as well.
The development of the jaw bones and muscles begins with milk teeth.
They give the mouth the shape it needs and provide place for permanent teeth to develop.