Kids’ Dental Treatments: A Savvy Guide For New Parents

As a new parent, you want to make sure your child’s teeth are healthy. Proper dental care from a young age is important for your child’s overall health and development. When it comes to dental treatments for kids, there’s a lot you need to know. This comprehensive guide will provide you with savvy tips and advice to help you navigate kids’ dental treatments with confidence. Let’s dive into it!

The Basics Of Kids’ Teeth

1. Primary Teeth

Your child’s first set of teeth are called primary teeth, also known as baby teeth or deciduous teeth. Children usually start getting primary teeth around six months of age. Between ages 6-12 months, the lower front teeth start coming in first. By age three, they should have all 20 primary teeth.

Primary teeth help children chew and speak properly. They also hold space for permanent teeth growing under the gums. Primary teeth usually fall out around age six, when permanent teeth start coming in. Losing primary teeth is part of the natural tooth development process.

2. Permanent Teeth

The permanent teeth develop under the gums during early childhood. The first permanent molars come in around age six. Between ages 6-13, a mix of both primary and permanent teeth are present. By age 13, all permanent teeth except wisdom teeth have usually come in.

Permanent teeth should last the rest of a person’s life. Proper care of permanent teeth early on is crucial for oral health. Make sure you teach your child good brushing and flossing habits. Regular dental visits should begin around your child’s first birthday. Click here to learn more about oral health care for your child. 

Common Dental Issues In Kids

Despite your best efforts at prevention, most kids will experience some dental problems as their teeth develop. Below are explanations of the most prevalent issues pediatric dentists treat:

• Tooth Decay

Also called cavities or dental caries, tooth decay is a breakdown of the tooth’s enamel caused by acid produced by plaque bacteria. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When carbohydrates from food and drink interact with this bacteria, acid is produced. This acid attacks and dissolves the mineral structure of teeth, leading to holes forming in the enamel. These holes are cavities or caries.

Tooth decay is common in both primary and permanent teeth. However, primary teeth tend to be more vulnerable due to being smaller and thinner. Tooth decay occurs gradually over time but can advance quickly in children if left untreated. The earlier cavities are caught, the easier they are to treat. If allowed to burrow deep into the inner structure and nerve of a tooth, decay can lead to severe toothaches, abscesses, and tooth loss. Preventing problems with diligent oral hygiene and limiting sugary foods is key.

• Trauma Injuries

Dental injuries are common childhood accidents. Teeth can become cracked, displaced, or knocked out completely through falls, collisions during play, and sports impacts. Certain things make permanent teeth more prone to traumatic damage – larger overjet overbite, insufficient lip coverage, and oral habits like thumb-sucking.

Seeking immediate professional treatment is crucial even for seemingly minor chips and cracks, as these make the tooth more susceptible to decay bacteria entering. Cracks can also worsen and split the tooth down to the nerve. Knocked-out teeth need to be reimplanted quickly for the best prognosis. Timely attention from a pediatric dentist can often save injured teeth. However, dental trauma may still require restorative work like crowns or root canals. Preventing damage with mouthguards during contact sports is advisable.

• Discoloration

Tooth discoloration in children has various causes. Stains can arise from certain medications, like antibiotics, that alter enamel formation. Trauma and injury to the tooth can also discolor it over time. However, poor hygiene, allowing the buildup of plaque and tartar, is the most common culprit. Things like coffee, tea, soda, and dark berries leave behind pigments. Smoking can also cause yellow teeth. While adults can get teeth whitened, this is not recommended for children as it damages the living pulp tissue inside. For kids, durable dental bonding or veneers are better options to mask discoloration. Emphasizing careful brushing and flossing prevents stains from the start.

• Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to misaligned teeth and/or incorrect bite. This includes issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, crooked teeth, gaps, and crowding. Genetics plays a major role. Childhood habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and prolonged pacifier use also impact alignment. Dental crowding can simply be due to having naturally smaller jaws.

Though malocclusion doesn’t always impair function, it can affect speech, chewing, and self-esteem. Orthodontic treatments like braces are often needed to correct these issues. Early evaluation around age seven helps spot problems so they can be fixed as more permanent teeth come in. Interceptive orthodontics are recommended in some cases before full braces. Retainers afterward prevent teeth from moving back. Addressing orthodontic problems in childhood leads to a healthier, more attractive smile for life.

Pediatric Dentistry Treatments

Specialized pediatric dentists have the skills and experience to provide complete oral health care for infants, children, and teens. From routine preventative procedures to complex restorative work, they can expertly address kids’ dental needs.

• Cleanings

Regular professional cleanings help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. A dental hygienist scaling removes built-up calculus (tartar) above and below the gum line that harbors bacteria and causes inflammation. Gentle polishing with a paste scrubs stains off the teeth. Cleanings allow a thorough evaluation of the teeth and gums. Fluoride varnish or gel is often applied to strengthen enamel, making teeth more decay-resistant.

• Fillings

When a cavity forms in a tooth, a filling repairs the hole created by decay bacteria. Fillings are made of durable materials that replace the damaged section of a tooth. Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored mixtures placed in small to mid-sized cavities. They blend for a seamless look. Silver amalgam fillings are more durable for larger areas of decay. For severely decayed primary molars, a stainless steel crown may encase the entire visible tooth above the gumline.

• Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is done on primary teeth with extensive decay or injury to try and save the tooth so it can naturally exfoliate. The infected, irreversibly inflamed pulp tissue deep inside the tooth root is removed. Medication is placed to prevent further infection. The chamber is filled, and the tooth crown is covered with a stainless steel cap until it falls out.

• Root Canal

When decay reaches the pulp and nerve of a permanent tooth, a root canal removes all infected tissue. After numbness, the top of the tooth is opened to access the pulp chamber. The nerve and blood vessels are removed from the tooth roots with tiny instruments. The hollowed-out chamber and roots are filled and sealed. A dental crown covers and protects the tooth afterward.

• Extractions

Tooth removal by extraction is sometimes necessary when a primary tooth is already loose or a permanent tooth is too damaged to repair. The tooth is numbed before gently being rocked out. Pediatric dentists can extract baby teeth or permanent teeth, except for wisdom teeth. Extractions of permanent teeth usually require an oral surgeon.

• Space Maintainers

When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer holds the gap until the permanent tooth emerges to prevent crowding. A fixed band-loop appliance is commonly attached to adjacent teeth. Removable partial plates may also preserve the space.

• Fluoride Treatments

Topical fluoride strengthens enamel to help prevent cavities. High-concentration fluoride varnish quickly treats areas of demineralization and decay. Foam or gel applied in dental trays provides longer contact. Fluoridated toothpaste or prescription rinses offer daily prevention. Systemic fluoride is also added to many municipal water sources.

• Mouthguards

Custom athletic mouthguards are essential to protect teeth from sports injuries. These flexible, removable devices cushion blows that might otherwise crack, chip, or fracture teeth. They absorb impacts rather than transmit force to the teeth and jaws. Properly fitted to each child, mouthguards should be worn for both contact sports and non-contact ones like skating.

Finding The Right Pediatric Dentist

Look for an experienced specialist dedicated to delivering compassionate oral care for children. Ask friends or your family dentist for referrals. Make sure they’re board-certified and have an appropriately kid-friendly clinic. Read reviews and check credentials. Meet them to see if you and your child feel comfortable. Partnering with the right pediatric dentistry practice goes a long way toward establishing lifelong oral health habits.

Preparing Your Child For Dental Visits

The prospect of visiting the dentist for the first time can cause anxiety in children. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in easing worries and shaping positive early experiences. With preparation and reassurance, even toddlers can learn dental care is nothing to fear.

• Explain beforehand what will happen using simple, child-friendly terms. Avoid frightening language like ‘shots,’ ‘drills,’ or ‘pulling teeth’ that conjure scary images. Be honest, but frame procedures in a calming way, like getting teeth ‘cleaned’ or ‘fixed.’ Outline basics like counting teeth, looking at x-rays, and getting a special picture of their mouth.
• Answer any questions openly and honestly. It’s normal for kids to be curious. Providing matter-of-fact responses prevents imagination from running wild. Don’t answer questions they haven’t asked to volunteer unneeded details.
• Read children’s books together about visiting the dentist. Hearing stories normalizes the experience. Many books like ‘Just Going to the Dentist’ or ‘Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist’ portray it positively. See characters modeling what to expect.
• Avoid telling exaggerated stories of your own dental experiences. Kids often pick up on adults’ own anxieties. Keep remarks brief, neutral, and focused on the outcome rather than the process.
• Have your child practice opening wide with a pretend dental exam. Make it a fun game with a parent or stuffed animal taking turns being the dentist. Praise their effort. Practicing ahead of time demystifies the big chair.
• Praise your child’s bravery and cooperation after visits. Focus on celebrating their effort rather than pain. Note details like ‘You opened your mouth nice and wide!’ to reinforce behaviors.
• Never use a dental appointment as a punishment or threat. Present it matter-of-factly as a wellness checkup. Don’t take away a fun activity ‘because’ they have the dentist – they will associate negative feelings.

With your thoughtful preparation and reassurance, even little ones can build trust with dental providers. Pediatric specialists take extra care to create a relaxed, child-friendly environment. Over time, your child will come to understand visits are quick, routine check-ins not to be feared. The earlier kids learn dental care is important for health, the better.

Caring For Kids’ Teeth At Home

Preventing dental problems starts with good oral hygiene habits at home. As a parent, you play a crucial role in teaching your child proper daily care to keep their teeth healthy and strong. Follow these tips:

• Use a small soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush twice daily. Select an age-appropriate-sized toothbrush that allows you to easily brush all surfaces. Bristles should be soft and rounded to prevent gum damage. Help your child brush thoroughly for two minutes each morning and night. Proper technique involves angling the brush bristles towards the gums and using gentle motions.
• Switch to fluoridated toothpaste starting at age two. Fluoride protects against demineralization and strengthens enamel to prevent cavities. Use just a tiny smear until kids can spit out excess. Monitor swallowing to avoid over-ingestion. Around age six, when dexterity improves, teach your child to use a pea-sized amount.
• Floss between tighter teeth daily where a brush can’t reach. Decay easily builds up between teeth in areas a toothbrush can’t access well. Flossing removes plaque and food particles to ward off cavities and gum disease. Demonstrate proper flossing technique. When they have manual coordination, allow your child to floss with your supervision.
• Encourage swishing water after eating to wash away food. Sugary debris left on teeth creates an ideal environment for plaque bacteria to produce enamel-eroding acid. Sipping water rinses sugar and acids off the teeth after meals and snacks.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks which feed decay-causing bacteria. Frequent exposure to carbohydrates allows bacteria to continually produce acid that wears away at tooth minerals. Restrict processed sugars as well as naturally sweet foods like juice or dried fruit.
• Avoid sharing utensils or cleaning pacifiers with your mouth. Saliva spreads cavity-causing bacteria between mouths. Use clean spoons or forks for each feeding. Rinse pacifiers with water rather than licking them clean.
• Take the bottle away after feeding to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Excessive nighttime bottle use allows the formula to pool around teeth for hours, feeding bacteria. Wean off bottles by 12-14 months old.
• Teach proper brushing technique when dexterity improves around age six. Once able to grasp a toothbrush, guide your child to brush correctly on their own. Check their work and assist with back teeth access. Praise developing independence.
• Instill your own daily flossing and brushing habits to model. Children are naturally imitative. Seeing oral care as part of your normal routine motivates kids to adopt similar habits.

By supervising diligent oral hygiene now, you teach skills that will benefit your child for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Conclusion

Caring for little teeth requires diligent attention and preventative care. With the right guidance, parents can support optimal dental development at every stage. Partner with a pediatric dentist you trust. Learn to spot problems early and follow their advice. Teach thorough brushing and flossing to avoid issues. With savvy knowledge and proactive measures, you can ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.