Pediatric Dentistry is the aspect of dentistry that deals with the care of diseases related to children (age 15/16 years and below) and special care individuals. Welcoming a child into the world is a joyous occasion, and every parent wants to keep their child healthy and happy.
Oral health is an important part of your child’s overall health, and therefore oral health care should begin at birth. Wiping your child’s gums with a clean, wet cloth after feeding not only helps to remove bacteria and sugars, it also helps to prepare and condition him/her for a brushing routine.
INFANT ORAL CARE
Children should visit the dentist on their first birthday. As soon as teeth are visible, it is appropriate to brush them twice each day using a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush and a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste (the size of an uncooked grain of rice), as this would be safe if swallowed and it provides the teeth with the necessary fluoride to prevent cavities and mineralize the teeth.
Your child’s newly-erupted teeth (erupting at six to 12 months of age) must receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them.
ADOPTING HEALTHY ORAL HYGIENE HABITS.
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to examine them every two weeks, looking for lines and discoloration that may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes his or her teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.
PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY WITH REGULAR CHECKUPS
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years but will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.
BREASTFEEDING DIFFICULTY
Does your child have difficulty breastfeeding due to a tongue or lip tie? Has your child ever been checked for a lip or tongue tie? Both can contribute to difficulty with breastfeeding, speech, and oral cleansing.
Sometimes Children Develop Cavities, it is important to restore (fix) these cavities not only in permanent teeth but also in baby teeth. Baby teeth are important for eating, smiling, speaking, and helping to guide the permanent teeth into the mouth at the appropriate time. A cavity left untreated could lead to infection, causing pain and even serious medical complications, and possibly damage the permanent tooth.
At Hilton Dental Clinic, we offer several options for treating your child, should he/she develop a cavity:
- Treatment in a chair using local anesthesia and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
- Traditional dental treatment in the chair, using local anesthesia only.
- Oral Conscious sedation.
- General Anesthesia if required.
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?
Before your treatment begins, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case.
PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE
Preventive Dental Care is Important throughout Life, especially at a Young Age: By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, your child can help keep their smile bright and healthy for many years to come.
Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of dirt and cavities in your child’s mouth:
Brush: Make sure your child brushes her/her teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, be sure she brushes the top surface of her tongue (you can use a tongue scraper); this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep her breath fresh!
Floss: Make sure your child cleans between her teeth by flossing at least once a day. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. A piece of dental floss will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Diet: Nutrition is of utmost importance when it comes to your child’s oral and overall health. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, and try to avoid/limit snacks and drinks high in processed sugars. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your child’s smile bright and beautiful.
Check-Ups: Remember to schedule regular checkups with your child’s dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning. We use state-of-the-art digital radiography for immediate observation of x-rays and early diagnosis of potential dental problems.
Sealants: Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
If you will love to book an appointment for your child in a facility that prioritizes children’s welfare
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