PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dental care for kids (Pediatric Dentistry) Pediatric Dentistry is a dental speciality that concentrates its attention on infants and children providing preventive and therapeutic oral  health care. During the "growth" phase of a child, special approaches are needed to guide the dental growth and development in order to  avoid future dental problems.  A common question that parents ask is “why spend on the maintenance of milk teeth when they are to be finally replaced by the permanent ones?” Milk teeth are as important as the permanent ones because Baby teeth are important in proper feeding and nutrition.  Milk teeth serve as space maintainers for the proper spacing and alignment of the permanent teeth. Healthy milk teeth are crucial in helping the baby learn how to speak properly.  Healthy looking teeth are important in building self-confidence at an early age. Small children because of immaturity are quick to tease  peers about ugly looking or decayed teeth. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Nursing Bottle Caries): The term describes a dental condition which involves the rapid decay of many or all the  baby teeth of an infant or child. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth since they are the first teeth to erupt and  thus have the longest exposure time to the sugars in the feeding bottle. The lower front teeth tend to be protected by the tongue as the  child sucks on the nipple of the bottle or the breast. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by long exposure of a child’s teeth to liquid containing sugars generally when the baby falls asleep with a bottle containing milk or juice or a pacifier dipped in honey. The liquid pools around the front teeth. During sleep, the bacteria living in  every baby’s mouth, turns the milk sugar or other sugars to acid which causes the decay. By the time the condition is noticed by the parents it may be too late and extractions of the decayed teeth may be necessary. As a result,  your child may suffer from long term disorders which include speech impediments, possible psychological damage, crooked or crowded  teeth, and poor oral health. The condition can be easily prevented by Clean your child’s teeth daily Giving plain water after a bottle of juice, milk, or formula (or when awake, sip on it for long periods of time as a pacifier)  Start bottle weaning by at least a year Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay Have regular dental visits for your child beginning when their first tooth erupts  We hope that you realize this and give your child the best means possible to achieve optimal dental health. Root Canal Treatment in milk teeth: In cases where tooth decay extends deep into the nerve portion of the tooth it might be necessary to  perform a root canal as described for the permanent tooth. Although the morphology of milk teeth makes the treatment difficult, it might  still be considered as a better alternative to tooth extraction. Space Maintainers: A space maintainer is a removable or fixed appliance designed to maintain an existing space.   Space maintainers are usually fitted in children when they have lost baby teeth early. The gap left from losing this tooth needs to be held  open for the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position. Fluoride application: A child’s teeth are more prone to decay due to lack of proper dexterity of brushing. Application of fluoride varnishes at  regular intervals strengthens the tooth structure by incorporating fluoride ions into the structure making them more prone to acid  dissolution. Not only do the permanent but also milk teeth benefit from fluoride treatment.  For children under 3 years of age The professional application of fluoride is particularly recommended because of the ease of application, patient acceptance and proven anti - decay benefits. For maximum benefits, reapplication should be made every 4 months.  Of the various home-use fluoride products( toothpastes, mouthwashes and gels) only fluoride toothpastes are recommended for young  children, but caution must be exercised to minimize fluoride ingestion.  Oral habits in children  Frequently children acquire certain habits that may either temporarily or permanently be harmful to teeth and tooth supporting structures.  These habits are acquired as a result of repetition. In the initial stages there is a conscious effort to perform the act. Later the act becomes less conscious and if repeated often enough may enter the realms of unconsciousness. Some common oral habits seen in children include thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, lip biting, grinding of teeth and nail  biting.  Treatment Psychological approach: It is generally said that children lacking parental care, love and affection resort to this habit. Thus the parents  should provide the child with adequate love and affection. Also the child's attention be diverted to other things as games and toys. The  dentist and the parents should together work to motivate the child to discontinue the habit. Mechanical Aids: They are basically reminding appliances that assist the child who is willing to quit the habit but is not able to do so as the  habit has entered the subconscious level. They may be removable or fixed appliances. Pit and Fissure sealants The chewing surfaces of teeth are never flat. They have infact certain depressions called Pit and Fissures which serve as potential traps for food and bacteria making the teeth susceptible for decay. Although other factors such as dietary habits, oral hygiene and amount of sugar  intake do pay an important role but the pits and fissures have been suggested as " the single most important anatomic feature leading to  the development of tooth decay". Therefore as a preventive measure certain pits and fissure sealants are placed. The decay inhibiting properties of sealants are attributed to the physical obstruction of the pits and grooves. This prevents penetration of  fermentable sugars and the bacteria cannot produce acid that causes tooth decay. The safety and effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants as a decay preventive measure has been confirmed by the American Dental Association . However, good professional judgment should be used in the selection of teeth and patients. These are contraindicated in cases of already  existing decay which require fillings. Finally, although sealant application is relatively simple, the meticulous technique requires patient  cooperation and should be postponed for uncooperative patients until the procedure can be properly executed. BABIES  When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up? In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first  birthday. How often does my child need to see the dentist? A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell  you when and how often your child should visit, based on their personal oral health. Are baby teeth really that important to my child? Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in  forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. How can I prevent decay caused by nursing? Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss  your child's teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be  scheduled by your child's first birthday. What should I use to clean my baby's teeth? A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed  specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime. Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use? Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no  more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing. ORAL HABITS  Are thumb-sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?   Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem   if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers   when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be   recommended by your pediatric dentist.  How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?   Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables,  breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of  sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth. How can parents help prevent tooth decay? Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments,  when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.  How do dental sealants work? Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the  teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?   Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough  fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then your  pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.  •Clinic   : +91 44 24662440 •Mob     : +91  9840067382 •Email   : info@dentalounge.com