Pediatric Dentistry
What are the types of pediatric dental treatment?
Children’s orthodontics is a dental specialty that aims to correct and prevent problems with the positioning and alignment of the teeth and jaw in children, promoting the proper development of the dental structure in childhood.
It is important to note that pediatric dental restorative treatments are adapted to the needs and stage of each child. The techniques and materials used are specific to ensure the safety and comfort of children during treatment. The aim is to preserve the milk teeth until the permanent teeth and provide good oral health.
What are the most common oral problems in children?
The main cause of pathologies in children’s teeth is a lack of good oral hygiene. The most common diseases are
This is caused by an excessive build-up of plaque. This problem can be associated with poor oral hygiene or other problems that make it difficult to clean your teeth effectively.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissues, leaving the gums sensitive, irritated, red and sometimes swollen. This leads to bleeding gums when brushing.
It’s important to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist so that the disease doesn’t progress to periodontitis. Otherwise, in addition to irritated gums, it could weaken the structure and support of the tooth.
As already mentioned, the accumulation of biofilm can cause cavities in children’s teeth. Excessive consumption of foods high in sugar, together with poor oral hygiene, result in the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth.
Babies can get cavities, which is why it’s important to see a pediatric dentist from the baby’s first year. Cavities are lesions in the teeth caused by the action of bacteria accumulated in the teeth and gums and by inadequate oral hygiene.
Many children have crooked teeth and a misaligned bite due to late use of bottles and pacifiers.
Orthodontic treatment may be necessary in some cases to correct these imbalances and provide a proper jaw and aligned dentition.
Children are subject to constant falls and accidents, which can result in dental trauma, such as fractures or avulsions. It is important to seek dental care in these situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer common questions that patients may have about the procedure.
These answers are intended to provide patients with accurate and reliable information about the procedure.
The answer is yes. Milk teeth are extremely important for the development of oral function It also helps to ensure the healthy eruption of children’s permanent teeth.
If your baby’s oral hygiene isn’t carried out properly, certain pathologies can develop as they grow. Make an appointment at least every 6 months to ensure good follow-up from your child’s first milk tooth.
Bad oral habits are anything that alters the normal growth pattern of the baby’s teeth and facial structure. Here are some habits that contribute negatively to the health of children’s teeth:
- Not seeing the dentist at least once a year for a general check-up and to detect possible oral problems.
- Not brushing your teeth;
- Let the child fall asleep with a bottle;
- Prolonging pacifier use beyond the first year of age;
- Excessive consumption of sugary foods: chocolates, soft drinks…
It’s not always easy to brush children’s teeth, but it can be an easier task if this moment is introduced into your baby’s routine from an early age. To make them understand the importance of brushing their teeth, you can use technology and show them videos on the subject so that they are stimulated in a positive way. Remember that going to the dentist is also crucial at this early stage.
Parents play an important role in forming habits and promoting good oral health.
Regular dental care during childhood is very important for the healthy growth of children’s teeth, particularly in preventing cavities, gum problems and other pathologies.
In addition to appointments, parents should complement oral hygiene care at home in order to encourage and help children to adopt good oral hygiene habits.
Yes, prolonged use of pacifiers and bottles can affect children’s teeth, affecting the development of the oral muscles responsible for chewing and also developing malocclusion problems, i.e. crooked teeth.