In Infants teething starts when they are as young as 6 months old. The set of teeth are called primary(or) milk teeth.
At the age of 6-7 years Kids start losing their milk teeth and the permanent set of teeth will start emerging. Because the milk teeth will fall off, some parents tend to ignore taking their Kids to Dental Care.
However, these milk teeth will make the basis of developing permanent teeth. If proper care is not taken the problems can emerge which will last a lifetime.
In recent years, the cases of caries in children have grown. Therefore, it is always recommended to start taking care of your kid’s teeth in the early stages of their life. This includes setting Oral Hygiene routine and regular visits to Children Dental Center.
WHY DO WE NEED A KIDS SPECIALIST?
Kids Dentist or Pediatric Dentist are trained to take care of dental problems of both kids and teenagers.
Pediatric dentistry treatment is a different kind of field dedicated to kids for their Oral Health in future. Dr. Seena naik is the best kids or Children dentist in panjagutta.
WHAT TREATMENT MODALITIES ARE OFFERED BY THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Best kids’ dentist work towards maintaining good oral health in kids. The treatment provided by the pediatric dentist includes:
- Examinate the infants and teens. This includes the oral caries/cavities assessment in mothers and their kids.
- There is an expert protecting your kids’ teeth by doing a fluoride treatment.
- Habit counseling is provided by doctors to keep the habits of kids in control.
- The crooked and misaligned teeth need to be corrected.
- Treatment must be provided for tooth cavities
- Dental injuries should be cleared.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR KIDS
Root Canal Treatment in Milk Teeth:
If the child is too young to need root canal treatment, then think again as there is no age limit for this treatment. When the baby teeth have been injured, or if tooth decay has advanced deep into the roots of teeth, root canal treatment to stabilize teeth may be needed.
This treatment removes the infection from the pulp of teeth and cleans the living tissue that founds inside the tooth’s roots. Root canal treatment is a simple procedure where instruments are used to clean the root canals of teeth and maintain the teeth properly in the oral cavity.
Oral Habits in Children
Frequently some children have certain habits like Eating chocolates and sweet foods which may either temporarily or permanently be harmful to teeth. Some common oral habits seen in children include thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, lip biting, grinding of teeth and nail-biting.
Certain reminding appliances called habit breaking appliances assist the child who is willing to quit the habit but is not able to do so as the habit has entered the subconscious level. They may be removable or fixed appliances.
Common Appliances in Pediatric Dentistry:
- Twin Block
- Frankly
- Habit Breaking appliances
- Space Maintainers
- Head Gear
PREVENTION TREATMENTS FOR KIDS:
Fluoride Application
A common problem for which parents usually take their children to the dentist is decay. This is because there is a lack of proper dexterity of brushing in children. To avoid the problem of decay, parents should get the Fluoride application treatment in children at regular intervals. Fluoride helps to fight plaque and bacteria which can cause enamel loss which further causes cavities. Fluoride also strengthens the tooth structure & helps in bone growth. Under this treatment, the dentist incorporates fluoride ions into the tooth structure making them more prone to acid dissolution. This treatment is equally useful for both milk & permanent teeth.
Sealants
The main reason for decay is the food and bacteria that is trapped in the pits & fissures of teeth. We chew food from the back teeth like molars and premolars which are never flat. The pits & fissures as discussed above are the depressions on these back teeth. They function as potential traps for bacteria & food and make it susceptible to decay. Therefore, as a preventive measure, certain pits and fissure sealants are placed.
Dental sealants then come to the rescue. Sealants are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surface of the permanent tooth. They protect the tooth from decay. Because of fissures the permanent back teeth, molars, and premolars are vulnerable to decay.
As we talked about the habits, it is important to inculcate the habit of maintaining good oral health at a very initial stage. This is an investment which will pay lifelong dividends in the form of healthy teeth and a healthy lifestyle. Parents should take initiatives to teach their children the correct technique of brushing and for that, it is highly important that they themselves should know the correct way of brushing. Make brushing a fun-filled activity for your child, brush along with them and encourage them to take preventive actions.
Toothpaste And Toothbrush
Apart from the aforementioned treatment options, make sure that your kids brush twice daily. Brushing before sleeping is extremely important because the food you eat during the day get stuck between your teeth and bacteria in your mouth will feed on that food overnight causing decay. If possible teach your child how to floss as it is the added protection for your teeth
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. What Is The Minimum Age Of Visiting A Kid’s Dentist?
One should take their child to the dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts or when your child turns 1.
Q.2. How Long Should A Child Visit A Pediatric Dentist?
The age ranges from 0-18 years. The time till he/she turns into an adult.
Q.3. When Should A Child Start Brushing?
As soon as the first tooth erupts but make sure that the amount of toothpaste is not more than a grain of rice.
Q.4. Should Mothers Clean The Mouth Of Babies If There Are No Teeth?
Yes, it is important to keep the mouth clean. Clean the upper and lower gums with a soft cloth.
Q.5. Is It Normal For Babies To Have A White Tongue?
Most of the babies have a white coating on the tongue in the early weeks and is very normal.
Q.6. What Is The Importance Of Milk Teeth?
As milk teeth erupt, it is a common misconception that they do not matter. But they have important roles such as:
- They are essential in the first step of digesting food: chewing, biting and grinding
- They improve speech habits and pronunciation
- It is the basis for the development of jaw bones and muscles
- They create room for permanent teeth to erupt