Milk teeth grow between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, and they gradually peel off between the ages of 6 and 12 years to replace the permanent teeth. It is a traditional assumption that baby teeth with carious lesions should be repaired by removing the infected tissue and replacing it with suitable dental material. However, this practice has recently been questioned. In developing countries, there are no other sources of treatment for primary teeth other than tooth extraction when pain and/or infection occurs. In industrialized countries, baby teeth treatment is usually done when the child has mixed teeth (both baby teeth and permanent teeth). However, caries in early childhood, at the age of 3-5 years, is still very common, e.g. In Kuwait, 32.4% of 3-year-old children have caries.
The problem of decay is always present, therefore, much attention is paid to the development of methods to prevent it. It is precisely prevention that experts consider the main tool that makes it possible to achieve a reduction in the percentage of caries worldwide. Decay of milk teeth is not an immediate problem. Unfortunately, the vast majority of parents believe that treating baby teeth is not necessary at all, because permanent teeth will soon take their place.
Why is it necessary to restore children’s teeth?
Dental restoration in children is essential and should begin with the first signs of decay or deformity. Early caries and any damage to tooth enamel should not be ignored by parents and doctors, because in the future this can lead to an incorrect bite and make it difficult for permanent teeth to grow.
In addition, the restoration of milk teeth helps the full development of speech activity in children and makes the children’s teeth beautiful and uniform, which provides the child with mental peace. Do not forget that a beautiful smile is one of the factors that affect a child’s self-confidence.
So, let’s list the main reasons why children’s tooth restoration is a mandatory procedure:
- Improper canine formation;
- Absence of permanent teeth;
- violation of speech activity;
- Untreated caries lead to complications and pain.
- Psychological discomfort (uncertainty related to appearance and speech disorders).
Methods to restore children’s teeth
The direct method of restoration involves the use of composite filling materials that allow the teeth to return to their original appearance to restore the temporary crown structure. The material is polymerized under the influence of certain light sources and has a different color and degree of transparency, which allows you to choose an option that is as close to natural as possible. Restoration of milk teeth for children allows you to solve the cosmetic problem and restore their function – both chewing teeth and front teeth are restored.
With significant tooth decay, when effective restoration is impossible, a prosthesis is used. After treatment, veneers are placed on the missing teeth.
Tips for teaching children to brush their teeth
As soon as the baby teeth grow in and begin to emerge from the gums, it is time to think about brushing them. Even babies should have their teeth cleaned regularly, although the method of doing so is different. As your child begins to take care of more of their daily self-care, such as getting dressed, brushing their hair, and even brushing their gums, it’s time to talk about brushing their teeth. Don’t worry though. Your dentist can help.
Schedule your first dental exam
Most babies do not need regular dental checkups, but children who have multiple teeth or who are 2 years of age or older should have regular checkups. If you are concerned about the health of your child’s teeth, you should visit as soon as possible. The first date will be an important experience for your child. And you need to give your child an understanding of what’s going to happen.
Expect your child to sit and talk to the dentist. Make sure you choose someone you know and trust as well as someone who specializes in childcare.
Your child may have x-rays depending on their age. Talk to your child about what X-rays are. They are simply special images of teeth.
Talk about how the dentist looks at the teeth and counts them. You want to talk about how the dentist uses a special tool to tap the tooth to count it. It does not help them.
Work on brushing your children’s teeth. Your dentist in Kingston can help you and your child perfect these skills. Talk to your dentist about how to properly brush your teeth as a child. Additionally, your child may be able to use a model at the office to see how brushing should be done. Even young children can understand the value of brushing. Talk about the importance of removing debris from teeth to keep them white and shiny.
There are many reasons to teach your child to brush their teeth early, but the most important reason is that habits formed at an early age are more likely to be maintained throughout their lives. When they don’t see brushing as a chore, they struggle with it less.