Preventive pediatric dental treatments aim to treat possible oral health problems in children before they continue to develop. A pediatric dentist focuses on preventing oral conditions like cavities, eroded enamel, and gum diseases, which could be a basis for lifetime dental health. Here are the benefits and some treatments in preventative pediatric dental care:
Halting Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common oral health problem among children, with about 50% of children between six and nine years old experience this condition. Pediatric dentists might notice and treat tooth decay before it wears out completely. Some pediatric dentists resort to preventive measures like fluoride treatment and dental sealants on decaying teeth. Fluoride increases tooth enamel’s strength, improving its resistance to acid from bacteria in the mouth. Sealants provide a protective coating on the tooth’s grinding surfaces to prevent bacterial and food particles from settling inside.
Encourages Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Preventive dentistry tries to reduce the development of long-term problems like periodontal diseases and plaque formation. Regular brushing and flossing from childhood can lessen the formation of dental plaque on the surface of the teeth. Brushing may also help to break the continuity of the plaque matrix, and flossing treats the areas in between the teeth that toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
Pediatric dentists should inform children and their guardians about the methods they recommend. Suggestions may include the use of a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Annother common recommendation is that each brushing session take at least two minutes.
Monitors Growth and Development
Seeing a pediatric dentist regularly also allows them to monitor a child’s jaw and tooth growth. Standard testing can help dentists identify potential problems with tooth alignment or bite issues. They may advise on early intervention, like an orthodontist referral. This allows them to implement orthodontic treatments or correct bite issues if necessary, promoting harmonious growth. Dentists can also address developmental anomalies early, minimizing their potential impact on the child’s oral health and overall well-being.
Components of Preventative Pediatric Dental Care
Sometimes a child’s dentist may try to stop preventable oral issues before they occur. While their patient’s are yound, they might also enlist the help of the child’s guardian to implement these strategies. Here are some of the components of preventative pediatric dental care, which all play a role in a child’s dental health:
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants shield the surface of your children’s teeth, potentially protecting them from being attacked by bacteria that cause decay. Applying dental sealants is a non-invasive, painless process. The pediatric dentist uses the sealant to create a smooth surface which prevents food particles and plaques from accumulating in tooth crevices. This treatment can help children who are still learning to brush and floss their teeth to prevent cavities.
Tooth Extraction
Some dental issues might require an extraction procedure to maintain oral health and proper tooth development. Children may need a tooth extraction if severe tooth decay has compromised tooth structure or there is trauma from non-repairable damage. It is also done when a dentist needs to create a space to properly align the incoming permanent teeth. Baby teeth which fail to fall out are also removed to allow adult teeth to develop correctly.
Cavity Fillings
Fillings can help restore the function and structure of a child’s tooth that has been destroyed by decay. The dentist extracts the affected part of the tooth and fills the area with appropriate material to avoid further decay. Pediatric dentists can use filling materials like composite resins, which have a tooth color and are esthetic, or dental amalgam, which is strong and durable. Choosing a filling material depends on the location of the cavity, the child’s age, and their dental condition.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment With a Pediatric Dentist Today
Preventive pediatric dental care can identify and treat potential oral issues early, promoting healthy teeth and better hygiene practices. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist allow them to provide proactive procedures like sealants and fluoride treatment, wich could reduce cavities. Identifying misalignment early can allow orthodontic intervention, promoting better bone growth. Reach out to a pediatric dentist today to find out if they are a good fit for your child.
