Kids are special to dentists, not only because of their age, but also because they have their own dental needs. Though not completely different from the adult dentition, their dentition does require more attention than their adult counterparts.
Since kids develop a habit of drinking bottle fed milk at night or while sleeping, their teeth are more prone to caries. Milk and sweeteners that are added to it, are not cleared from the tooth surface since feeding at night is done. These remain on the tooth surface and cause tooth decay. Parents don’t start brushing their kid’s teeth since kids do not comply.
Generally, all parents develop a tendency that the milk teeth will fall off eventually, so any caries in milk teeth is not treated. Hence, kids dental hygiene remains neglected. Milk teeth however, have a tendency to get infected easily and transmit this infection to the permanent teeth buds that lay below them in the bone. Not getting dental fillings done in the milk teeth hence increases the chance of affecting the permanent teeth in the long run.
When kids attain puberty that is around 12 to 14 years of age, changes in their gums start appearing, because of hormonal changes in the body. Bleeding gums are commonly seen at this age. If teeth are maintained in a good condition, this can be prevented.
Yet another common problem parents encounter is children losing their teeth because of falling or during sports.
Certain advices if parents follow, all such kinds of things can be avoided.
- Eating healthy food, whole grains, fruits and vegetables is good for the body as well as teeth. Starchy food and chocolates stick to teeth and cause tooth decay.
- Children learn seeing their parents. If parents maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, children do tend to inculcate same habits.
- Brushing/tooth cleaning with gauze should be started as soon as the first tooth erupts in the oral
- Brushing twice daily is as important as eating healthy food for children.
- Proper brushing technique should be taught to children. A circular method of brushing with an ultra-soft brush and a pea sized amount of a fluoridated tooth paste should be adopted. A fluoridated tooth paste will prevent occurrence of caries.
- Tongue cleaning should also be performed with great care so as not to abrade the tongue surface.
- Regular dental check-ups to ensure a healthy oral cavity free from caries and gum diseases.
- Proper mouth guards should be worn during participation in sports activities.
At Dr. Saurabh’s Dental clinic & Implant Center, we cater all dental needs of children, ranging from pit and fissure sealants to root canal treatments, taking care of their special needs. Visit us and find out more on dental advices and latest in treatments available for children.
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