A Guide to Pediatric Dental Care Against Dental Issues

It is essential to take your kid to the pediatric dentist in Houston, TX, because their oral health is as important as yours. In addition, taking them to the pediatric dentist at such an early stage is imperative as it helps the kids learn proper oral hygiene at such an early age. Another thing to note is the dental procedures of kids differ from the dental procedures that adults undergo. Therefore, this article will let you know some common dental procedures practised in Houston pediatric dentistry.

Common Pediatric Dental Procedures

Fillings

Kids can hurt their teeth during their playing time. But thanks to dental fillings, pediatric dentists can now restore the broken or fractured teeth using composite resin fillings. In addition to injuring their teeth, if your kid is exposed to lots of sugary foods like cakes and sweets, it increases the chances of tooth decay.

When tooth decay occurs due to the remaining food debris on the tooth, dental fillings can be used to seal the holes caused by the bacteria after the dentist has removed all the decayed parts.

Dental Cleaning

A hygienist or a dental assistant performs this dental procedure, also known as prophylaxis, during your routine dental visit. Before the procedure is performed, the dentist will inquire about the child’s dental history as this will help them determine if other issues might affect your child’s teeth in the future.

The next step is where the dentist looks at your child’s mouth to see if there are any cavities or gum disease that has made the gums swollen. At this stage, your dentist inquires about your child’s oral hygiene routine.

Your child’s teeth are then cleaned thoroughly to remove any hard debris and plaque, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentists recommend regular dental cleanings as children are more susceptible to dental caries. On top of that, it is recommended to take your child for a dental check-up every six months. However, if your kid is susceptible to dental caries, more frequent visits are required to keep the bacteria at bay.

Dental fluoride is then applied to the teeth to strengthen the tooth’s weak areas and offer cover from tooth decay.

Teeth Extractions

This dental procedure is one of the most dreaded, if not the most dreaded, a procedure that many kids avoid. This is because kids picture the dentist using forceps to pull out a tooth with all their energy.

The good news is; that pedodontists are trained professionals like the ones in Greenway Pediatric Dentistry and have enough skill in performing tooth extractions. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the procedure’s safety, as our dentists will ensure your kid is calm during the entire treatment process.

Teeth extractions are performed for various reasons. First, a tooth that has severely decayed has to be removed to prevent infection to the remaining healthy teeth. Moreover, when periodontal gum disease is not treated early, it can lead to the child’s tooth loosening, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. When the disease progresses, the gums begin to recede and separate from the jawbone and teeth with time. This is why routine dental visits are recommended.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is used when a tooth is severely infected. A kid’s tooth is no exception. If you do not teach your kid proper oral hygiene, food debris sticks to the tooth and begins to decay. This leads to tooth erosion, and the bacteria creates holes in your kid’s tooth. This can cause a lot of pain to your child’s tooth, but a dental crown can be used to offer a covering to this affected tooth.

The dental crown will prevent further tooth erosion that can lead to tooth loss.

Sealants

Teaching your kid proper oral hygiene is not an assurance that the teeth are free from bacteria, and this is why regular dental visits are essential. When you don’t take your child to the pediatric dentist in Houston, TX, for regular dental checkups, food debris can stick on the grooves and pits of your child’s tooth, leading to plaque.

Luckily, sealants can be applied to your kid’s teeth to protect against tooth decay. If well maintained, sealants can last up to a decade.