Pediatric Dentistry from your Family Dentist
At Country Lakes Family Dental, we know kids! In fact, many are surprised to hear that the majority of our patients are 14 years old and younger. Of course, some joke that my kids alone help with that fact, but kidding aside, we live in an area thriving with families. Just looking at city data we see the percentage of family households in the Denton area are above state average with Argyle at 85.4%, Flower Mound at 86.1%, Corinth at 80.0%, etc. As parents of these families, we naturally want the best for our children, including their oral health. So I’m offering this blog to help you parents understand a few of the important facts about pediatric dentistry.
What do we need to know first about pediatric oral health? For starters, I would like to overcome a common misconception that primary, or baby teeth, are expendable. It is true that most of the time, our baby teeth are replaced with permanent dentition, but the reality is that baby teeth serve very important functions for a long period during our childhood. The typical primary tooth is not exfoliated until up to age 12, and in the meantime, these teeth are utilized for purposes including speech, eating, smiling, and space maintenance. The most important of these functions is space maintenance. Our permanent teeth are much larger than our primary teeth, and if a baby tooth is lost early, that space can collapse resulting in crowding of the permanent teeth. Moreover, it is even advantageous to have spacing between primary teeth for space maintenance and easier cleaning.
When taking care of baby teeth, it is important to understand that the enamel of primary teeth is thinner than permanent teeth. This makes it even more essential that baby teeth are well cared for from the beginning and on a frequent basis. Preventative dental measures are the best approach and start with good oral hygiene habits and good nutrition. The moment a tooth erupts, brushing should begin daily. Using fluoride toothpaste is beneficial, but remember to always supervise the child, only use children’s toothpaste, and only use a small smear until the child is able to spit on his/her own. Also, try to avoid sugary foods and frequent snacking, and never give a child juice or soda in a sippy cup that the child has access to throughout the day or night. In addition, preventative dental treatment should include regular dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, and sealants when indicated.
Should a child require dental treatment, there are only a few pediatric dental procedures that are performed for baby teeth. The first is your basic tooth filling where the decay is removed from the tooth and a composite restoration is placed. If the tooth has lost a significant amount of tooth structure or if the child is at high risk for tooth decay, a stainless steel crown is used to cover the entire tooth surface. Other crown options exist which include porcelain on the outer surface or a full composite crown for front teeth to improve esthetics. If the decay has reached the nerve or pulp of a tooth, a baby root canal (or pulpotomy) is indicated, as long as the tooth is still vital and no abcesses are present. Your dentist can determine if a baby tooth is still vital. If a baby root canal or pulpotomy is performed, typically a crown is required for the tooth. If it is found necessary to extract a baby tooth, it is important for your dentist to recognize when space maintenance is necessary. When any procedure is performed on your child, it is essential that the child is made to feel as comfortable as possible. Using nitrous, distractions techniques, and explaining or demonstrating the dental procedure work well to ensure your child has a positive dental experience.
Your child’s first dental visit recommended upon the eruption of their first tooth or at least by their first birthday. Making an appointment at this age will provide the parents with proper oral health education for their child, and at the same time, help accustom the child to their new dental home. Beginning this routine early not only allows for proper preventative pediatric dental care, but it also helps set the stage for making oral health a priority.
Of course this blog is just a summary of pediatric dental care, and there are many more topics to discuss about your child’s oral health. If you have any specific questions about your child’s dental care or oral health, feel free to email me at dr****@co****************.com or call us at 940-455-7645.
Keep smiling!
Dr. Matt
Family Dentist Pediatric Periodontics Implants Crowns Veneers Dentist Cosmetic Dentist Lantana Flower Mound Double Oak Argyle Corinth Denton Highland Village Copper Canyon Lantana Argyle Lewisville Cosmetic Dentist Argyle Robson Ranch Dentist Cosmetic Lantana Argyle Ponder Justin, TX Periodontics Dentures Highland Village Argyle Denton Cosmetic Invisalign Dentist Cosmetic Dental Implants Lantana Argyle Highland Village Flower Mound Robson Ranch Veneers Lumineers Crowns Filling Pediatric Dental