Pediatric dentistry
Pediatric dentistry and dentists
Pediatric dentists claim that oral health care should begin in early childhood, as soon as the eruption of deciduous teeth starts. According to pediatric dentists, the most common dental disease – caries (decay) – is not genetically inherited and is caused by bacteria in the mouth. If dental plaque is not removed or removed poorly, bacteria, inhabiting the plaque, start metabolizing carbohydrate-rich food into acid products which weaken the enamel and cause tooth decay. Bacteria also cause mouth problems – gingivitis, periodontitis (formerly called parodontosis). Pediatric dentists advise – good oral hygiene and proper teeth cleaning are the keys to healthy teeth and gums.
A child must be taught to clean his teeth from a very young age. According to pediatric dentists, parents should clean their children’s teeth until the age of 6-7 years. Until the child has not learned to write, his hand movements are not sufficiently coordinated to clean his teeth properly. Of course, a child should be encouraged to use a toothbrush, but teeth brushing should be supervised and completed by parents. In addition, parents themselves must be an example which the child will follow.
Pediatric dentists say that the very first teeth should be cleaned with damp gauze or clean cloth after breakfast, and especially in the evening before going to bed. After the first teeth have erupted, night meals, breastfeeding and sweet teas should be withdrawn. A bottle of water or a pacifier may be offered instead. It is also advised to limit the amount of sugar and frequent snacks in the diet because acid environment is very harmful to the teeth. It is better to consume given amount of sweets at a time and brush the teeth afterwards, than to continue snacking the same amount throughout the day.
Advices
After the eruption of first deciduous molars (12-18 months), parents should start brushing their child’s teeth using soft toothbrush. In the second year parents should begin to use a very small amount of toothpaste – roughly the size of child's pinky nails. According to recent studies, such small amount of paste is considered harmless even if swallowed.
At the age of 6, first permanent molars erupt. It is important not to miss the eruption and thoroughly clean first permanent molars from then on. After full eruption, pits and crevices of molars should be covered with dental sealants, which emit fluoride and prevent food and plaque retention, resulting in lower caries risk.
You will receive even more tips from pediatric dentist during a visit at our dental clinic “Pilėnė“ in Vilnius.
Children‘s dental care
A widespread opinion that treatment of deciduous teeth is not worthy, because these teeth are temporary, is wrong.
Firstly, untreated deciduous teeth can cause pain and infection, which can damage permanent teeth buds. Tooth decay and resulting pain may interfere with child's diet, lead to changes in child’s behavior and poor esthetic appearance.
Secondly, pediatric dentists claim that premature loss of deciduous teeth can lead to incorrect bite. This is a common orthodontic problem. Deciduous teeth are natural space retainers, which, if lost prematurely, can lead to slanted eruption of permanent dentition.
Therefore, deciduous teeth treatment is necessary. Special colored fillings, particularly appreciated by our youngest patients, are available.
Colored fillings and deciduous teeth:
The first visit to pediatric dentist should be preventive, following the eruption of first teeth. Dentist will advise parents on how to correctly supervise the brushing of child’s teeth to stop decay. It is also a great opportunity for a child to get acquainted with the dentist and his staff in order to avoid dental fear in the future.
