Children’s Dentistry
Children’s dental care may include examination, preventive advice, management of tooth decay, fluoride treatment, sealants and assessment of tooth eruption and bite development.
The aim is to detect these abnormalities early, monitor its progression to determine appropriate management and formulate an effective treatment plan.
Supporting Children’s Oral Health
- An initial dental visit is commonly recommended by around the first birthday or after the first tooth erupts, depending on individual circumstances.
- When primary teeth appear on the dental arch, they may be cleaned with a clean, wet, and soft cloth or wet gauze. Also, gently wipe the gums.
- Start brushing the teeth of your little ones as early as 1 years old with a toothpaste and toothbrush adapted to the age of your child. It is important to employ correct brushing
- Milk bottle syndrome is a form of tooth decay due to frequent or prolonged exposure to milk, fruit juice, or sweetened liquids. It appears after the age of 12 months and manifests as massive destruction to the structures of the teeth, especially the top front incisors. To prevent this, children above 12 years of age should be trained to give up on the feeding bottle, especially during night time. Never let your child go to sleep with a full bottle as the liquid will pool behind their front teeth, allowing bacteria in plaque to feed on it, producing acids that erode the outer surface of the teeth with time.
Feeding Advice
Frequent or prolonged exposure to milk, juice or sweetened drinks, particularly during sleep, may increase the risk of tooth decay. Discuss suitable feeding and tooth-cleaning practices with the child’s healthcare or dental professional.
What are the sealants?
Sealants form a protective layer over pits and fissures and may reduce the risk of decay in treated surfaces. They can wear or detach and should be checked periodically.