Parents should take their children to the general dentistry office regularly for checkups and to ensure good oral health. Oral examinations, dental sealants, tooth fillings, nutrition counseling, teeth cleaning, and root canals are a few services available for children in the office. The core basis of general dentistry is preventing oral diseases before they wreak havoc on the child’s teeth.
Oral examination
This is perhaps the most effective preventative strategy. Dental professionals advise parents to take their children to the dentist soon after their first birthday. A trained dental professional examines the child's teeth and gums for symptoms of cavities or illness. If there are any problems, they will create a treatment plan to correct the problem.
Dental cleaning
Based on the dentist’s findings during the oral examination, they may advise parents to get their child's teeth cleaned. If a child fails to clean their teeth properly, they are more exposed to harmful bacteria. Plague, tartar, and other debris can quickly build up on baby teeth. Brushing will not be enough to remove plaque once it hardens into tartar. Professional dental cleaning, using cleaning solutions and instruments, can help remove this debris and restore the child's oral health.
The procedure also aids in the prevention of gum disease in the baby teeth and gums. If required, the dentist will suggest advanced oral hygiene products, such as mouthwash, and dietary changes.
Children’s dental sealant
Sealants are suggested for both baby and permanent teeth. They are applied on teeth surfaces that are most prone to cavities, such as grooves and deep holes. Once the dentist paints the plastic resin solution on the tooth's surface, it binds there and hardens quickly. It shields the tooth's surface from plaque and acids that contribute to cavities and decay. Dentists prefer sealants because the application method is easy, and the bond protects the child's teeth as long as it remains undamaged.
Gum disease treatment
When a child does not practice good oral hygiene, they may develop gum disease, which causes gum inflammation. Gum disease can be caused by various factors, including food and heredity. The dentist can identify gum disease early and recommend dietary modifications, professional cleaning, or surgery to save the child's gums.
Root canal treatment for children
Regular dental examinations are necessary to ensure that plaque does not go undetected and develop into cavities or tooth disease. If left untreated, the infection might spread to the pulp chamber of the baby tooth. If the cavity has reached the tooth's nerve, there is no other alternative than to extract it. The dentist may prescribe a root canal if the decay has damaged a significant portion of the baby tooth and nerve. The procedure is also suggested if the tooth has been injured as a result of a sports-related accident.
When handled by a skilled general dentistry professional, root canal therapy is entirely safe for children. The substance used to fill the chamber is biocompatible, which means it will not cause any harm.
Final note
Baby teeth are vital because they hold the space for the permanent teeth. As a result, it is essential to keep them healthy until they are ready to fall out. Contact the dental office to learn more about general dentistry services for children.
Request an appointment or call Fort Lauderdale Dental Studio at (954) 462-5252 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.