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Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the examination and management of dental health in children.
Dental procedures are generally perceived as intimidating and painful experiences that most would like to avoid, especially among children. However, it is vital that children have their milk teeth checked regularly by pediatric dentists for evidence of caries and tooth decay.
Teething Problems
Pediatric dentists are consulted if teething is delayed in an infant. The development of the teeth and jaws needs to be appropriate to allow the infant to be suitably weaned onto solid foods. Good and timely teeth eruption is also important in the development of appropriate speech.
Misaligned Teeth
A malocclusion describes when the teeth of the upper and lower jaws do not meet when the jaws are closed together. This can create problems with eating or speaking. The malocclusion may cause may pain on biting or injuries to the insides of the mouth, gums and tongue. Pediatric dentists are responsible for addressing the problem of poorly aligned teeth using braces.
Dental caries & Tooth Decay
Despite the fact that milk teeth are eventually shed to be replaced by permanent teeth, it is still important that these teeth are well maintained. Children have an increased likelihood of developing tooth decay and therefore cavities that can expose the inner dental pulp to bacteria and cause toothaches. Children tend to be more susceptible to dental plaque and tooth decay because they are more likely to eat sugary, sticky foods and not maintain their dental hygiene as well as older people might. Therefore, pediatric dentists commonly encounter tooth decay.
Tooth Decay is the Most Common Childhood Disease
Tooth decay is the most prevalent harmful dental condition among children. When untreated, tooth decay will destroy a child’s teeth and have a lasting impact on their overall health.
According to the CDC, more than 42% of children between ages 2 to 11 will have a cavity. Even more startling, cavities are 5 times more common than childhood asthma and 20 times more common than diabetes.
Cavities are Preventable
Cavities might be common, but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t prevent them.
In particular, fluoride is capable of preventing and reversing the early stages of tooth decay. How does it work? Once ingested, fluoride plays a role in strengthening developing teeth. The fluoride is taken to the developing teeth, where it helps reinforce the enamel (the protective layer on the teeth). Reinforced enamel is much more resistant to tooth decay. It is important to keep in mind, however, that fluoride is not capable of repairing cavities.
Candy is Not the Only Cause of Poor Dental Health
There is no doubt that eating candy can certainly lead to cavities. However, it’s not the only thing that’s responsible. Looking at the big picture, many different types of food can cause tooth decay. In particular, starchy snacks such as cookies, crackers, or bread, can increase a child’s likelihood of developing cavities. This should not be too surprising, After all, tooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria that consume carbohydrates. In other words, cavities result from microorganisms that feast on the sugars from starchy foods. After eating these foods, it’s important to brush your child’s teeth.
Children Should Go to the Dentist by the Time They’re One Year Old
Most children don’t see a dentist until they are over 2 years old! This is much later than recommended by dental professionals. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should bring your child in for a dental appointment by the time they are one year old.
It is important to remember that baby teeth are crucial for several reasons. Not only do they help children chew, which is necessary for good nutrition, but baby teeth also play a significant role in speech development. You should not forget that baby teeth help save space for permanent teeth, so taking care of them should be a top priority!
It’s Important to Care for Your Baby’s Teeth from the Start
Proper dental care is important from the start—even before your child has any teeth. You should use an infant toothbrush or soft cloth to wipe your baby’s gums twice a day before their teeth erupt. This will keep their gums free of bacteria and prepare them for toothbrushing.
Once the baby teeth develop and become visible, you’ll want to brush them regularly with fluoride toothpaste. Ideally, you want to brush them twice a day—in the morning and at night.
It’s Possible for a Child to “Catch” Cavities From Their Mother
Believe it or not, a child can actually “catch” cavities from their mother. In fact, 71% of tooth decay cases are caused by the transmission of bacteria from a mother to her infant. The primary culprit is Streptococcus mutans, a strain of bacteria that is passed through the transfer of saliva. This means that blowing on food, sharing utensils, and even kissing, can indirectly cause cavities.
With this in mind, it’s important for mothers to maintain proper dental hygiene. The better their oral care, the smaller the chance of their baby having dental problems.
Cavities Can Affect a Child’s Self-Esteem and Academic Performance
Cavities not only affect a child’s oral health, but they can also have an impact on their self-esteem. It’s not uncommon for children with dental issues to fall victim to bullying. Many of these children often find themselves embarrassed to smile in front of their friends and reluctant to participate in social activities. Statistics show that tooth decay can also affect a child’s academic performance. In the United States, it’s estimated that nearly 51 million school hours are lost every year due to illnesses relating to dental problems!
Sports Can Cause Dental Injuries
Children who participate in sports generally have a higher risk of dental injuries. Cracked teeth and fractured roots are the two most common sports-related dental injuries. Recent studies have shown that basketball has the highest injury rate due to collisions with other players and hand contact. Due to the frequent nature of these dental injuries, it’s vital that your little athlete wears proper sports gear during their activities.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are translucent material similar to plastic that a dentist can spread on teeth with ease. Dental sealants remain on the chewing surfaces of teeth to stop cavities from forming and spreading. The dentist usually applies a dental sealant to molars when the patient has especially deep ridges along the chewing surfaces of his or her teeth. If the ridges are not deep, the sealant will not stay in place.
If the sealant becomes loose and traps plaque, the chance of cavities will be that much higher. A mere two minutes per tooth is all that is necessary for the sealant to harden in place. After hardening, the child consumes food without having the food contact the surface of the teeth. This powerful barrier minimizes the chances of childhood cavities.
Fluoride Treatments are Underrated Preventative Dentistry Treatments for Kids
The application of fluoride to teeth increases their strength. Fluoride bolsters enamel, making it that much easier to combat acid and bacteria that cause decay. Strong teeth are that much less likely to endure decay.
Teeth Cleanings
Your child’s teeth need cleaning at least two times per year. This cleaning is necessary to eliminate plaque and tartar. It is challenging to remove plaque when flossing and brushing on one’s own at home, especially during the early years of life. There is a good chance plaque will stick between your youngster’s teeth. Only the pediatric dentist’s specialized tools will eliminate this plaque and prevent the formation of cavities.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are specialized dental appliances comprised of plastic or metal. These maintainers are fully customized to suit the nuances of your child’s mouth. Space maintainers are diminutive and perfectly comfortable. Your child will adjust to his or her space maintainer in a few days or less. The space maintainer holds the empty space open after a tooth is lost.
It keeps the remaining teeth perfectly steady to prevent movement until permanent teeth emerge. If you are hesitant to have a pediatric dentist apply a space maintainer, consider the fact that this approach is cheaper and more efficient than attempting to move teeth back to the proper positions with orthodontic treatment.
Mouth Guards
Most pediatric dentists recommend kids wear mouth guards. These protective devices can be made in the dental office to suit the distinct shape of your child’s mouth. Such guards are worn when playing sports to protect the teeth and gums against physical contact.
Our dentists continually attend further education and stay on top of current research to bring the best evidence based treatments and the latest techniques.
We use the latest treatment techniques, procedures & dental materials that enable us to deliver a wide range of options to suit your needs.
Also, we use a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry options and treatments to transform your regular smile into a million-dollar one. We offer all your treatments in the same place, whichever specialist you may need to see, you will find them available here.
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