Visiting the dentist can be scary, especially for children. This is why it’s important to take kids to a pediatric dentistry Raleigh NC. They specialize in helping kids feel comfortable and safe. They’re also more experienced in dealing with young teeth and issues like tongue-tie care and braces.
This study estimated the effectiveness of a medical office-based preventive dentistry program (Into the Mouths of Babes) in reducing treatments related to dental caries among Medicaid-enrolled children. Repeat application of fluoride varnish and oral health counseling around tooth emergence were found to be the most effective interventions.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common diet-related disease that leads to the loss of hard mineral tooth enamel. The bacteria in your mouth turn sugar from food and drink into acid that damages the teeth. If too much enamel is lost, a hole or cavity develops. Tooth decay in children has been linked to poor school performance and can result in pain, discomfort, and problems with eating and speaking. Traditionally, tooth decay is treated with dental restorations (fillings) and extraction. However, recent research has demonstrated a non-invasive technique to prevent and reverse the early stages of tooth decay.
Tooth decay most often occurs in the back teeth (molars and premolars) that have many grooves, pits and fissures that are difficult to clean and can collect food particles. A good oral hygiene routine, frequent brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular dental visits can help reduce your child’s risk of developing cavities. Fluoride treatments and sealants provide additional protection against tooth decay.
Tooth Sealants
Sealants create a physical barrier that prevents food debris and germs from getting into the grooves of your child’s back teeth, significantly lowering their risk for cavities. Extensive research and clinical use have proven that sealants are safe, effective, long-lasting, and cost-effective. Our pediatric dentists recommend them as part of your child’s regular preventive care, and many dental insurance plans cover them.
Sealant application is quick, painless, and non-invasive. We typically apply sealants to children’s permanent molars once they have erupted, but we can also protect premolars with deep grooves.
Sealants should be considered an additive to your child’s daily oral hygiene routine, not a replacement for brushing and flossing. A healthy smile begins in childhood, and teaching kids good habits at an early age sets the stage for lifelong dental health.
Dental Hygiene
A child’s dental health plays a significant role in their overall wellness. It influences how they eat, speak and socialize. In addition, untreated cavities may lead to pain or infections that can impact other areas of their health.
Children with poor oral hygiene also experience low self-esteem and have more difficulty engaging in healthy social interactions. Fortunately, by instilling good oral hygiene habits and ensuring that children get regular visits with a pediatric dentistry Raleigh NC, parents can help prevent these issues.
During these visits, the dentist will examine the mouth for any signs of tooth decay or infection. They’ll also clean and apply fluoride to help protect teeth. It’s recommended that parents begin brushing their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste (no more than the size of a grain of rice for children under 3). They should also floss daily. These simple steps will ensure that kids have a lifetime of positive oral health.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics not only improves the appearance of your child’s smile, but it can also address bite problems that could impact their quality of life. These include malocclusions, which are caused when teeth do not fit together properly.
Pediatric orthodontists closely monitor a child’s jaw development and tooth eruption patterns to detect any issues that might need treatment. They also help ensure that primary teeth are falling out in a timely manner so permanent teeth can take their place, avoiding overcrowding.
Pediatric dentistry Raleigh NC recommend a first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. This allows them to identify potential concerns, such as crowded teeth and misaligned jaws, early on and intervene with appliances like space maintainers or palate expanders. These treatments can prevent the need for more extensive and complex orthodontic treatments later in life, such as the removal of teeth or surgical procedures. They can also prevent long-term health and dental issues that can result from malocclusions.
