CHILDREN’S /KIDS DENYISTRY
It is rightly stated that “Prevention is better than cure” and proper care of your child’s teeth from a very early age will help them to have healthy gums and teeth. It is very important to take good care of your child’s teeth. Parents have to inculcate good oral care habits (brushing and flossing twice a day) in children to prevent tooth decay. Early dental checkups for kids will ensure their mouths to be healthier and cavity free.
Baby Teeth Are Important:
- To Chew Food
- To Guide Adult Teeth in Place
- To Shape Their Face
- To Speak Clearly
Few habits in Children which can affect alignment of teeth:
- Thumb sucking
- Finger biting
- Nail biting
- Lip biting
- Tongue thrusting
- Mouth breathing
These habits can be broken in childhood using habit breaking appliances.
Pit and Fissure Sealants
Chewing teeth have grooves on the surface like mountains and valleys. These groves are the hiding and dwelling places for oral bacteria causing decay since bristles of a brush do not reach to clean that area.
Hence these areas start developing pits and fissures gradually leading to caries.
To prevent this dental sealants are applied on the surface of the tooth which covers the grooves and protects it from acid attacks and plaque. Ideal age to put a sealant is 6 years.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral which helps to prevent tooth decay in children. Fluoride strengthens teeth by aiding the mineralization on teeth . It prevents the formation of acid causing bacteria.
Fluoride treatment may be in the form of a solution gel, foam or varnish. Typically it is applied with a cotton swab or brush or placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for several minutes.