If you clicked on this blog, you are probably looking for a dentist who can help you take the best care of your child’s oral hygiene or you may just be interested in knowing about it. Either way, you have come to the right place. Pediatric dentistry is a vast subject and encompasses all the dental needs of children. In this blog, we decided to break down pediatric dentistry for you, why, and when you should consult a pedodontist. So, let us begin by answering one of the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is a specialty of dentistry that caters specifically to children’s oral health needs. A pediatric dentist or a pedodontist is a specialist who has undergone extensive training on the oral health of children from infancy through teen years. They are experienced and qualified to diagnose and treat various dental problems children face.
Children have unique dental health needs that require specific attention during different phases of childhood up to their adolescence. Infants start getting their baby teeth during the first six months of their life. It is vital to stay vigilant of a child’s oral health from when the first baby teeth erupt in the mouth. Dentists recommend that a child has their first dental visit at the age of one. Children are unique and may not be able to voice their problems. They may be in extreme pain due to dental infections, and parents might not figure out what is wrong—this is where a pediatric dentist comes to the rescue. Pediatric dentists have the training to understand the unique needs of a child. They know how to handle a child and at the same time eliminate the causative factor of the pain. Some children with special needs may require more attention. A pediatric dentist’s training makes them efficient in catering to such children’s needs.
Unfortunately, there is a general misconception that milk teeth do not require much care as they are replaced with permanent teeth. This cannot be farther from the truth; any milk teeth disease can affect the permanent teeth and hamper their growth. It is imperative to go for regular follow-ups to a pediatric dentist to ensure a child’s oral health is impeccable. Bear in mind that a child’s oral health also affects their overall growth and health. This blog will share some common dental problems facing children as they move through different childhood stages. Remember that emphasis on all oral health issues, young or old, is early diagnosis and treatment.
Dental Caries
Dental caries is one of the most common dental diseases worldwide. Children are at a higher risk of getting dental cavities because they are not very proficient with brushing and maintaining good oral hygiene. They also are more likely to consume more than their fair share of sugary foods.
One of the most severe dental caries in children is Early Childhood Caries. Pre-schoolers are especially susceptible to early childhood caries. Dental cavities generally start from the upper front teeth and quickly progress to involve all teeth present. The progression leads to intense pain, disturbs the entire oral harmony, and interferes with permanent teeth’ growth.
Early childhood caries happens when foods and liquids containing sugar remain in a child’s mouth for several hours. The naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth metabolize the sugars and release acidic substances, which break down tooth structure leading to cavities. The simplest way of reducing the risk of early childhood caries in young children is to make sure you clean your child’s mouth after feeding. In little older children, the best way to reduce the risk of dental caries is to make sure they are brushing correctly and maintaining good oral hygiene.
You must inspect your child’s mouth regularly to look for any signs of dental cavities. Schedule a visit with us if you detect or suspect any signs. Dental caries are white and rough in earlier stages and turn brownish-black over time, resulting in cavities(holes) in the teeth. Caries can cause intense pain and infect nearby tissues if not treated early. Children with this condition may refuse to eat due to pain.
Gum Disease
As mentioned earlier, children lack the dexterity to maintain proper oral hygiene. Teenagers tend to be disinclined to take care of their mouths. The teenage group is likely to get gum diseases due to altered hormonal levels combined with lack of oral hygiene. When brushing is neglected, a biofilm forms on the tooth’s surface. This biofilm hardens to form calculus, which harbors bacteria and ultimately elicits an inflammatory response. The gums appear red and inflamed, leading to gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis almost invariably progresses to gum disease, pus formation, and finally loosening teeth. The infection can reach the permanent teeth still developing in the jawbone and hamper their development and lead to dental diseases in the future.
It is a good idea to inspect your child’s mouth for any sign of inflammation and schedule a checkup with a pediatric dentist to examine and treat any such conditions.
Tooth Sensitivity
If your child refuses to consume hot or cold liquids or foods, it may be due to pain and tooth sensitivity. Tooth decay, the eruption of new teeth, gum diseases, and tooth erosion are causes for sensitivity. There are many ways a pediatric dentist treats tooth sensitivity, depending on the diagnosis.
Thumb Sucking
Infants, toddlers, or even teenagers may develop the habit of thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing. These habits can result in misaligned teeth like an open bite. Aside from affecting chewing capabilities and speech, such conditions can perturb normal facial growth. Parents should stay vigilant and should not allow these habits to continue. A pediatric dentist can prescribe habit-breaking appliances and therapy to help break such habits before it leads to severe condition.
Tooth Discoloration
When a child turns six years old, permanent teeth start erupting in the oral cavity. Signs of discoloration in permanent teeth, yellowish to brown tints, opaque white spots to brownish spots, are conditions requiring professional examination and treatment.
Dental Trauma
Children from the time they start walking are prone to falling, putting them at a greater risk of fracturing or breaking their teeth. Fractured or broken teeth expose the nerves, which leads to pain. They also impact aesthetics. Restorative treatments are necessary to make sure the child is pain-free and comfortable.
Why is visiting the dentist so important?
Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:
- Helps prevent tooth decay
- Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
- Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath
References
Estrela, C., Holland, R., de Araújo Estrela, C. R., Alencar, A. H. G., Sousa-Neto, M. D., & Pécora, J. D. (2014). Characterization of successful root canal treatment. Brazilian Dental Journal. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440201302356
Sjögren, U., Hägglund, B., Sundqvist, G., & Wing, K. (1990). Factors affecting the long-term results of endodontic treatment. Journal of Endodontics. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-2399(07)80180-4