Children's dental health can be neglected by some parents who assume that since the baby teeth will eventually fall off, there is no need to be strict and regimented about it. Although it is true that your child will eventually lose their baby teeth, it does not mean that there will not be any long-term repercussions to their oral health. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find that some kids will require some dental treatments even before they lose their baby teeth. Below are some of the different dental treatments that your child may require before their permanent teeth come in.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are commonplace with adults. However, you child may also require these crowns installed if their teeth are deteriorating. Children will require dental crowns if their teeth, especially the molars, have acquired severe decay that is affecting the structure of the teeth. Usually, in these instances, you will find that the acquired damage will have spread past the tooth enamel into the dentin and even all the way into the dental pulp. To prevent further damage to the teeth, the dentist will cement the dental crowns onto the baby teeth. The crowns are then expected to stay in place until the child loses their baby teeth naturally.
Dental cleaning
This dental treatment is also referred to as prophylaxis. Children will typically not brush their teeth as effectively as adults do. As such, over time their teeth can develop deposits that can lead to an array of dental problems. Therefore, it would be ideal to opt for dental cleaning once in a while to prevent the occurrence of gum disease, cavities and other dental issues. During the dental cleaning, the dentist will try to eliminate any traces of tartar and plaque that has accumulated at the base of your child's teeth. Once the dental cleaning is finished, the dentist will then apply some fluoride directly onto the teeth. This fluoride functions to strengthen any eke areas of the tooth while also acting as a preventative measure against decay. Although dental cleaning should be done once in a while, children that are susceptible to dental caries should receive this treatment on a more frequent basis.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is typically used to correct misalignment of permanent teeth. However, if your child is showing signs of malocclusion as they lose their baby teeth, then interceptive orthodontic treatment should be considered. An assessment of your child's teeth will enable the dentist to determine if their emerging teeth will be crooked or crowded. This, in turn, could prevent the need for orthodontic treatment later on in your child's life.
For more information, contact a business such as Dental Smile Clinic.
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