Children need special care to prevent dental problems as they grow up. Their first visit to the dentist should occur soon after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Regular six-month checkups will help them maintain a healthy mouth for life.
Crowns are placed on a child’s baby molars to protect them from decay or if they have been damaged. Space maintainers are used when a tooth is extracted to ensure the remaining teeth do not crowd out the new one.
Baby Teeth
Teeth are important for chewing, speaking and giving your face its shape. Prior to birth, teeth form under the gums and begin to erupt (appear) shortly after birth. They function as placeholders and spacers for permanent teeth, which typically start to appear at age 6.
Baby teeth are known as deciduous or primary teeth. They usually come in by age 2 1/2 and start to fall out at age 6 or 7, making room for the 32 permanent teeth that will replace them.
Parents should care for their children’s teeth beginning as soon as the first tooth appears. Baby teeth should be gently brushed twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Tooth decay can lead to severe problems for permanent teeth, so it’s very important to maintain good dental habits during this time.
Preventative Care
Children need to be seen by a pediatric dentist early and on a regular basis. These visits enable early detection and treatment of dental problems, as well as instilling good oral hygiene practices.
Preventative procedures handled by pediatric dentistry include oral exams, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatments, and counseling for habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use. The goal is to ensure that children develop healthy teeth and gums, a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.
A common saying is “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, and this definitely applies to kids dentistry Kissimmee fl. If a child’s teeth and mouth are in great shape when they reach adulthood, it can save them from expensive and time-consuming oral procedures in the future.
Sealants
Sealants are plastic resin coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth, filling in the pits and fissures where food particles and bacteria often collect. The procedure is quick, easy, and painless, without the need for a local anesthetic or drilling.
The surface of each tooth is cleaned and dried before being treated with a solution that slightly roughens or “etch’s” the surface, in order for the sealant to bond properly. Then, the tooth is rinsed and dried again, before being painted with the liquid sealant which hardens within a minute, sometimes using a special curing light.
Teeth that are sealed are far less likely to develop cavities, requiring costly dental treatment in the future. Sealants typically last for 10 years, but they should be checked at regular dental appointments to ensure that they are in good condition.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects teeth from decay. It is found in many water sources and in some toothpastes and mouth rinses. It is a safe and effective treatment that has been shown to reduce tooth decay by up to 95%.
It strengthens the enamel of the tooth, which helps to prevent cavities (tiny holes in the teeth). It also inhibits the demineralization of the tooth, which is caused by acids from sugar and bacteria.
Fluoride is a safe substance when it is used in the correct dosage, as evidenced by the fact that it has been added to public drinking water for 75 years and endorsed by hundreds of health organizations. However, excessive exposure may result in dental fluorosis, a condition that causes white streaks or speckling on the tooth’s surface.
Dental Visits
Children who start regular visits to a dentist at an early age develop a positive attitude towards oral care. Taking your child to the dentist regularly teaches them the importance of brushing and flossing, and will help prevent cavities in the future.
Dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar (hard mineral buildup) from your teeth with a tool called a scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner. They may also floss and polish your teeth. They check for signs of gum disease and will evaluate your bite to see if there are any issues with your jaw.
X-rays are often taken at every visit. These X-rays provide valuable information about your teeth and bone structure, and can detect hidden problems. They are very safe and have a low dose of radiation.
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