If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pediatric dentistry, you’re in the right place. Here you’ll find all the basics, as well as some more advanced information. The tips and tricks you’ll find here can help you take care of your kids’ teeth and keep them from developing severe problems.
Cavities are the most common disease in children
Dental caries, also known as cavities, are among the most common childhood diseases in the United States. It is primarily due to bacteria that feed on sugars in the mouth. The oral bacteria then produce an acid byproduct that erodes the teeth. Fortunately, a few simple steps can keep your children from developing tooth decay.
The best way to prevent cavities is by following a healthy diet and practicing good dental hygiene. Having Happy Valley pediatric dentistry check your teeth at least once a year can help you detect the signs of decay early on.
Another great way to prevent cavities is by making sure that your kids brush their teeth twice daily. It is especially critical for babies and toddlers.
Dental caries is a painful disease
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is a painful disease in pediatric dentistry. It occurs when bacterial activity breaks down food debris in the mouth. These bacteria convert ordinary sugar into acid that dissolves the hard tissues of teeth. It is why dental cavities are a chronic condition that can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Dental caries is caused by a combination of factors, including the amount of sugar consumed and the presence of oral bacteria. When these factors are weakened, the bacteria may not be able to break down sugar and produce the acid needed to dissolve the tooth’s surface.
Treatments for dental caries
Using fillings, crowns, and other treatments can reverse the adverse effects of dental caries. It is essential to take preventative measures to avoid cavities in the first place. Dental checkups are an excellent way to do this.
The most common type of dental restoration used in children is a filling. Fillings can be made from tooth-colored or metallic materials. If the decay is deep, a root canal is needed to remove the inner pulp and heal the tooth.
Crowns are a better choice than fillings for teeth with severe decay. Generally, they are silver in color. They are fabricated in a lab from an impression of the tooth.
Preventing tooth decay from falling asleep with bottles
Preventing tooth decay from falling asleep with bottles is a big concern for parents. The number one chronic infectious disease among children is tooth decay, a big problem because it can affect your child’s health and finances.
Children exposed to sugary drinks in bottles at bedtime are at a greater risk of developing cavities than those who aren’t. It is because the flow of saliva reduces while they sleep, making it harder for them to rinse away the sugar. It also increases acid production in their mouths, eroding their teeth’ enamel.
Aside from falling asleep with a bottle, other causes of tooth decay can include frequent nursing and taking pacifiers dipped in sweetener. Developing a good oral hygiene routine before your baby’s first tooth appears is essential.
Thumb-sucking is perfectly normal in infants
If you are concerned about your child’s thumb-sucking habits, you should speak to a doctor. In most cases, the practice is harmless. However, when it persists, it can cause serious problems.
One of the first instincts of newborns is to suck. It is a self-soothing response that helps babies feel secure. Many children suck their thumbs when they are nervous or hungry. It may also be a reaction to boredom.
While it is normal for infants to suck their thumbs, it is not advised. If your child continues to do so, it can hurt your child’s dental health.
Behavior management strategies for pediatric dentists
Pediatric dentists often need to confront challenging behavior in children. They must understand and use various behavior management strategies to create a positive oral environment and reduce anxiety. The techniques may include positive reinforcement, positive attention, sedation, desensitization, and restrain/protective stabilization.
Pediatric dental visits can be frightening for children and their parents. As part of the process, it is essential to ensure that a proper child-dentist relationship is maintained. It includes understanding which behavior-management techniques are acceptable to parents.
The most commonly accepted behavior management technique is Tell-Show-Do. Parents view videotaped segments of a pediatric dental appointment and rate the methods on a VAS (visual analog scale). Those viewing the videotaped details with explanations were significantly more accepting of the process than those considering it without reason.
