Children's Dentistry

Children's dentistry, also known as paediatric dentistry, is a specialised field of dentistry that focuses on the dental health and oral hygiene of infants, children, and adolescents. One of the main goals of children's dentistry is to establish good oral health habits early on in life to ensure that children maintain healthy teeth and gums as they age.

Children's dentistry is an important aspect of paediatric healthcare, as good oral health is essential for a child's overall health and well-being. Parents are encouraged to schedule regular dental checkups for their children to help prevent dental problems and address any issues promptly.

Children are more sensitive to dental procedures. At Family Dental Practice, we adopt different ways to try and get them to be cooperative, responsive, and completely at ease while seated in the dentist’s chair.

What are the Benefits of Children’s Dentistry?

There are several benefits of children's dentistry, including:

• Prevention of Dental Problems: Regular checkups with a paediatric dentist can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. They can advise on proper brushing and flossing techniques and offer treatments such as fluoride varnish and dental sealants to protect teeth from decay.
• Early Detection of Dental Issues: Paediatric dentists are trained to detect dental issues early on before they become more serious problems. Early detection can help prevent the need for more invasive and costly treatments down the line.
• Education and Guidance: Children's dentistry educates parents and children on proper oral care. This includes advice on healthy eating habits, using pacifiers and bottles, and preventing dental injuries.
• Building Positive Dental Habits: Regular dental checkups with a paediatric dentist can help children develop positive dental habits early on, setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

What is Covered by Children’s Dentistry?

• Preventative Dentistry: This includes regular checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments to prevent dental problems from occurring.
• Restorative Dentistry includes treatments such as fillings, crowns, and extractions to restore damaged or decayed teeth.
• Orthodontics: This includes treatments such as braces and aligners to correct misaligned teeth and jaw problems.
• Sedation Dentistry involves sedatives to help children relax and feel comfortable during dental procedures.
• Emergency Dentistry: This involves urgent dental care for injuries or severe toothaches.

Choosing the right type of children's dentistry depends on the individual needs of the child. A paediatric dentist can provide guidance on which treatments are appropriate for your child's dental needs.

When Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should have their first dental visit by the age of one or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, whichever comes first. This may seem early, but starting dental visits early in a child's life is important to establish good oral health habits and detect and prevent potential dental problems.

The first dental visit is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions about their child's oral health and get guidance on teething, pacifier use, and thumb sucking.

What Happens During a Children's Dentistry Appointment?

During a children's dentistry appointment, the dentist will typically perform the following:

• Examination: The dentist will visually examine the child's mouth and teeth to check for any signs of decay or other dental problems.
• Cleaning: The dentist will gently clean the child's teeth to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
• Fluoride Treatment: The dentist may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the child's teeth and protect them from decay.
• X-Rays: Sometimes, the dentist may take x-rays to check for hidden dental problems.
• Education and Guidance: The dentist will guide proper brushing and flossing techniques, offer advice on healthy eating habits, and answer any questions the child or parent may have.

What to Expect After a Children's Dentistry Appointment?

After a children's dentistry appointment, the child may experience discomfort or sensitivity in their teeth or gums. This is normal and should subside within a few days. The dentist may also provide instructions on proper oral care at home, including brushing and flossing techniques and advice on diet and nutrition.

Are Checkups Necessary if My Child Has Healthy Teeth?

Regular dental checkups are necessary even if your child has healthy teeth. Dental checkups provide more than just a simple examination of the teeth. They also involve assessing oral health, including the gums, tongue, and other soft tissues in the mouth.

Regular dental checkups can help detect dental problems early on before they become more serious. Many dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and malocclusion, often go unnoticed in their early stages, leading to more significant problems later.

Additionally, dental checkups allow the paediatric dentist to provide education and guidance on proper oral care at home. The dentist can advise on proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend fluoride products and guide healthy eating habits.

Dental checkups can help build positive dental habits early on in life, setting children up for a lifetime of good oral health. Children who have positive experiences at the dentist are more likely to continue to seek dental care throughout their lives.

How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?

After the first dental visit, children should continue having regular dental checkups every six months or as the dentist recommends. 

These two important yearly visits allow your dentist to monitor new developments in the child’s mouth, evaluate changes in the condition of teeth and gums, and continue to advise parents on good oral care strategies. This can help prevent dental problems and ensure any issues are detected and addressed early on.

Your dentist may schedule additional visits for children particularly susceptible to tooth decay or who show early signs of orthodontic problems.

What are the Most Common Dental Problems in Children?

Children can experience various dental problems, from minor issues such as cavities and tooth sensitivity to more serious problems such as tooth loss and gum disease. Here are some of the most common dental problems in children.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a common dental problem in children. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel, forming small holes in the teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or gingivitis, occurs when the gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup and tartar on the teeth. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel becomes worn down, or the gums recede, exposing the sensitive nerve endings in the teeth. This can cause pain or discomfort when the teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, or when brushing or flossing.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to misaligned teeth or jaw, which can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and even breathing. Malocclusion can also cause teeth grinding, leading to further dental problems.

Tooth Trauma

Tooth trauma can occur due to injury or accident, resulting in chipped or broken teeth or even complete tooth loss. This can be a painful and distressing experience for children, and immediate dental care is necessary.

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a common habit among young children, but it can cause dental problems if it continues for an extended period. Prolonged thumb sucking can cause misalignment of the teeth and even changes in the shape of the jaw.

Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a common issue among children, especially those who have had negative experiences at the dentist. Dental anxiety can cause children to avoid dental visits, leading to further dental problems.

It's important for parents to encourage good oral hygiene habits in their children and to schedule regular dental checkups to prevent and address any dental problems that may arise. If you suspect your child has a dental problem, it's important to consult with a paediatric dentist as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening.

Dental Emergencies

Although dental injuries and emergencies are often distressing for children and parents, they are also extremely common.  Approximately one-third of children have experienced some type of dental trauma, and more have experienced a dental emergency.

There are two peak risk periods for dental trauma: toddlerhood (18-40 months), when environmental exploration begins, and the preadolescent/adolescent period, when sporting injuries become commonplace.

Dental emergencies can happen anytime, and parents must know how to respond. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies in children:

Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental issues. 

If your child complains of a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles trapped between their teeth. If the pain persists, contact your paediatric dentist for an appointment.

Dental avulsion (knocked-out tooth)

Acting quickly is important if your child's tooth is knocked out due to an accident or trauma. Rinse the tooth with water, being careful not to touch the root, and place it back into the socket if possible. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it in a cup of milk or saline solution and contact your paediatric dentist immediately.

Dental intrusion (tooth pushed into jawbone)

Sometimes, dental trauma forces a tooth (or several teeth) upwards into the jawbone. 

If dental intrusion of either the primary or permanent teeth is suspected, it is important to contact your dentist immediately.  Depending on the nature and depth of the intrusion, your dentist will either wait for the tooth to descend naturally or perform root canal therapy to preserve the tooth's structure.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Accidents, sports injuries, or other traumas can cause broken or chipped teeth. If your child experiences a broken or chipped tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Contact your paediatric dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts or tears to the gums, lips, or tongue, can be caused by accidents or trauma. Rinse the affected area with warm water and apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding. If the bleeding persists or the injury is severe, seek emergency medical attention.

Object Lodged in Teeth

 If an object, such as a piece of food or a small toy, becomes lodged between your child's teeth, try using dental floss to remove it gently. Do not use sharp objects to remove the object, as this can cause further damage to the teeth or gums.