Dental treatments for children
Dental hygiene in children should start at an early age.
From the moment teeth erupt through the arches, they need to have optimal local conditions for harmonious development.
A lack of space can seriously damage oral balance by causing resorption of the roots of neighboring teeth.
On the other hand, crowding caused by unsatisfactory tooth alignment leads to carious processes, making access to tooth surfaces difficult.
Also, decay of temporary teeth causes similar damage to permanent teeth and bacteremia remains high throughout the oral cavity.
Treatments that can be carried out in the oral cavity of small patients vary, depending on the severity of the process but also on the time that has elapsed since it started.
Fluoridation
Fluoridation refers to the intake of fluoride by children, especially during tooth development or in cases of increased keriorrhea. It can be done in two ways, systemic or local.
In the case of the former, the child is prescribed basic fluoride tablets, which are taken orally.
The second route is the local route, in which the tooth surfaces are treated with fluoride substances. Whichever route is chosen to institute treatment, the results will be carefully monitored to prevent side effects from setting in.
Fluoride poisoning or fluorosis is a complication that occurs secondary to abnormal concentrations of fluoride in the body.
At dental level, it is manifested by the appearance of white spots that may turn yellowish or even
brownish in development, if topical or general fluoride administration is not interrupted.
Sealing
Sealing is a treatment that can be carried out no more than 1-2 years after the eruption of permanent teeth on the dental arch.
It consists of applying a liquid sealant to the pits and fissures in the enamel to prevent the appearance of carious processes.
In the first years after eruption, the occlusal morphology of the teeth is accentuated, so there is an increased risk for food retention, bacterial activity and ultimately the appearance of carious lesions.
By applying sealing material, these indentations on the occlusal surface will be reduced and the risk of caries will also decrease.
Pulpotomy
When a carious process progresses to depth and reaches the pulp chamber, the nerve can no longer be preserved and is normally removed.
In children, the body’s reactivity is increased and so is regeneration, so in the case of carious lesions that open the pulp chamber, a treatment called pulpotomy is used.
This involves removing only the contents of the pulp chamber, leaving the nerve intact at the root of the tooth. Due to the high regenerative capacity, but also due to the previous removal of the affected portion of the nerve, it survives and the tooth remains vital.
Bonding of tooth fragments fractured by trauma is a common occurrence in children.
Any dental treatment should be carried out as soon as possible to prevent complications arising over time. The young tooth responds much more easily to all treatments.
Dental treatments are essential for children’s oral health and can prevent long-term dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. In this article, we explore the most common dental treatments used for children and their importance in preventing dental problems.
Dental hygienization
Dental hygienization is the first step in dental treatment for children and is recommended from the first year of life. This includes cleaning teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush and water. Dental hygiene can help remove plaque, which can lead to tooth decay.
Sealing teeth
Sealing teeth is another common treatment for children and can help prevent tooth decay. This procedure involves applying a thin layer of plastic to the surface of permanent molar teeth to protect them from decay-causing bacteria.
Dental fillings
If a child develops tooth decay, dental fillings are a common treatment. It involves removing decay and filling the affected area with a special material to prevent further damage to the tooth.
Tooth extraction
In some cases, a tooth may be too damaged to be saved by a filling and tooth extraction may be necessary. This is a common procedure and may be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged by decay or infection.
Root canal treatment
If a tooth is severely damaged or infected, root canal treatment may be necessary. This involves removing the nerve and soft tissue inside the tooth, followed by filling the canal with a special material. Root canal treatment can save a damaged tooth and prevent the need for tooth extraction.
The importance of dental treatments for children
Dental treatments are essential for children’s oral health and can prevent long-term dental problems. In addition, untreated dental problems in children can lead to toothaches, eating problems and impaired development of the jaws and permanent teeth.
That’s why it’s important for parents to take preventive measures for their children’s oral health.
These measures include regular dental hygiene, a balanced and healthy diet and a visit to the dentist at least once every six months.
In addition, parents should ensure that their children have regular dental hygiene and learn to brush their teeth properly.
Learning oral hygiene habits in childhood can help maintain healthy teeth and lasting dental hygiene.
Parents should also watch for signs of dental problems in their children and take prompt action if problems occur.
These signs include toothache, tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums or inflammation.
In conclusion, dental treatments are essential for children’s oral health and can prevent long-term dental problems.
It is important for parents to take preventive measures for their children’s oral health and to act promptly if dental problems occur. By maintaining proper oral hygiene and following up regular visits to the dentist, children can have healthy, bright teeth for the long term.