Features of the treatment of milk teeth in children

The fear of the dentist is laid down from childhood, so it is very important for parents to properly prepare the child for a visit to the dentist. Even adults often feel a chill on their backs when they go to their regular dental checkup. There is a misconception that treatment of milk teeth in children is not required, because milk teeth will fall out and new permanent teeth will grow in their place. This misconception of many parents leads to all kinds of problems with the renewal of teeth and digestion in the child. As a result of the development of a constant inflammatory process in the oral cavity, immunity decreases and the child often gets sick. So, what are the features of the treatment of milk teeth in children and what diseases require the prompt intervention of a dentist, read on estet-portal.com.

Causes of dental disease in children

It's not for nothing that doctors do not recommend giving sweets and chocolate to children under 5 years old, justifying this by the fact that teeth deteriorate and acetone rises in the child's body.

In addition to carbohydrates, the occurrence of dental diseases is influenced by the genetic factor, the level of immunity, the maturity or immaturity of children's bone tissue.

Why milk teeth start to deteriorate:

• impaired calcium circulation in the body;
• vitamin D, fluoride and phosphorus deficiency;
• Change in the level of acidity in saliva;
• malocclusion;
• improper use of pacifiers (for very young children);
• eating a lot of carbohydrates;
• poor oral care.

Caries can develop in a child after sharing cutlery with parents. If parents are carriers of caries, they may well transmit this disease through a kiss or through a spoon / cup / plate. And since the tissues of the baby’s tooth are very sensitive, when microbes enter the oral cavity of the crumbs, they spread at lightning speed and affect milk teeth.

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If a child is fond of sweets, with a decrease in acidity in saliva, pathogenic bacteria settle between the teeth and begin to affect the enamel of a milk tooth. And since the child cannot clean his teeth well from plaque, microbes spread throughout the dentition. Caries in childhood is quite common, and today patients come to the dentist – children, even as young as 2-3 years old, who urgently need to treat affected teeth and stop the development of infection in the oral cavity.

What diseases are provoked by an infection in the oral cavity:

• digestion problems and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcers);
• malocclusion;
• spread of infection in the maxillary or frontal sinuses – sinusitis, frontal sinusitis;
• permanent SARS;
• Migraine and dizziness.

A very important point in the event of caries or other dental disease: insufficiently mature teeth, after eruption, "ripen" in the oral cavity, and if you do not follow the baby's diet and do not clean them, the tissues are quickly destroyed by the influx of microbes.

Cause of immaturity of teeth during eruption – this is an insufficient level of mineralization of the tooth tissue. In order for a milk tooth to form – mineralization lasts about 2 years, and for a permanent tooth, it takes about 3 years to form tissues and strengthen the protective layer. If caries occurs next to an imperfectly formed tooth, the disease spreads very quickly, with subsequent damage to even healthy permanent teeth.

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Note to Parents: Take your child to the dentist once every six months to check for dental problems early and fix them. With the development of caries, the teeth in children may not hurt, but the disease still develops.

What dental diseases occur in childhood

• caries – in first place in the development of children – this is the destruction of the enamel and the penetration of bacteria deep into the tooth;
• pulpitis – spreads after caries – inflammation of the pulp;
• periodontitis – multiplication of bacteria in the connective tissue between the tooth and gum, followed by inflammation.

Gum diseases are also common in children: gingivitis, stomatitis, cyst on the gum. 

Treatment of milk teeth in children

In medicine, there are several methods of sparing treatment of milk teeth in children. In the early stages of disease detection, such as caries, teeth can be treated with fluoride varnish after the affected area on the tooth has been removed. This procedure is completely painless and takes only 5 minutes. You can get professional advice here.

Also, in order to stop the spread of caries, the dentist may suggest treat the teeth with silver. Complete recovery of the tooth occurs if there is no damage to the deep layers. The only thing stopping parents from using this – after treatment with silver, the teeth turn black and remain dark until the permanent eruption.

To completely cure a tooth affected by caries, it is often necessary to remove part of it and fill it. Usually the process of tissue removal and filling does not take 30 minutes.

To set up the baby for such a procedure, it is necessary to prepare him and assure him of the urgent need for dental treatment. Preparation should begin a few days before the visit to the dentist, so that the child has time to get used to the idea that the doctor will definitely look at him, cure the tooth and he will no longer bother the baby.

Filling materials are selected according to the tender age of childhood – It doesn't take long to install a filling. Glass polymer cement or compomer are often used.

It is also important to carry out ongoing prophylaxis after treatment in order to avoid subsequent complications and the spread of infection:

• brush your teeth twice a day and teach your child to completely clean the entire dentition, and not just the front teeth;
• limit sweets and juices;
• ensure the consumption of fermented milk products, fish, carrots, apples.

Pay attention when examining the child's oral cavity for stains on the teeth, reddening of the gums, monitor the process of chewing food by the baby – whether there is a reaction to cold or hot, which side eats more. At the slightest suspicion of problems with the teeth, you should consult a dentist and, if caries is detected, immediately treat this ailment.