Common Pediatric Dental Treatments

It's crucial for parents to take their kids for regular dental checkups when they are still young. Pediatric dental care lays the foundation for good oral health and prevents future complications caused by conditions like gum disease. Here are some essential pediatric dental treatments.

Teeth Cleanings

Your child should go for a dental cleaning at least twice a year. This procedure gets rid of tartar and plaque. Many people think that brushing and flossing are enough to remove plaque. However, for hard-to-reach mouth crevices, you should take your child for dental cleaning. 

Furthermore, there is a chance that plaque will stick between your kid's teeth even after they brush and floss. A pediatric dentist has special tools designed for the removal of plaque and the prevention of cavities.

Cavity Prevention

Cavities form because of bacterial activity. Children are fond of sugary foods like candy, chocolate, and smoothies. This food debris attracts bacteria. As a result, bacteria release an acid that erodes the enamel of the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can damage the gum lining the child's teeth. The cavities will spread and damage the teeth in areas where the enamel is eroded. 

A pediatric dentist can help prevent the spread of cavities by removing the decay. The dentist will clean the interior of the teeth and fill them with a sealant. Dentists apply sealants to molars, especially if your child has deep ridges on their teeth's chewing surfaces. This barrier reduces the likelihood of childhood cavities.

Pulp Treatment

A pulp treatment is known as a pulpotomy. This procedure treats inflamed nerves and blood vessels in your teeth. A pediatric dentist will resort to this treatment if your child has severe decay or a damaged tooth after an accident.

If left untreated, infected, exposed, or damaged nerves can create bigger issues that could warrant a tooth extraction. Pulp treatment enables a baby tooth to remain in place to facilitate the future alignment of permanent teeth.

Space Maintainers

These are dental appliances that pediatric dentists use to occupy the empty space open after your child loses a tooth. These appliances are made of metal or plastic. Space maintainers are comfortable and keep the remaining teeth firm to prevent movement until the permanent teeth begin to form. These appliances are cheaper and more efficient than orthodontic treatments for teeth alignment.

In Closing

Training your child to adopt good oral hygiene practices at a tender age is essential. Limit their intake of sugary foods and encourage them to brush and floss after every meal. Also, instruct them to drink water often to facilitate the cleansing activity of saliva. Most importantly, take your child to a pediatric dentist at least twice a year to ensure they have healthy teeth and gums. 

For more information, contact a local children's dentist


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