Clinical Pediatrics: Open Access
Open Access

A Short Note on Pediatric Dentistry

Theodore P Croll^{* *}Correspondence: Theodore P Croll, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA, Email:

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About the Study

Pediatric dentistry is a subspecialty of dentistry that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of children's oral health. Dental operations are often seen as frightening and painful experiences that most people would want to avoid, particularly in youngsters. However, it is critical that children's milk teeth be examined by pediatric dentists on a regular basis for signs of caries and tooth decay. Pediatric dentists specialize in the dental health of children from birth through adolescence. They have the training and knowledge to look after a child's teeth, gums, and mouth at all stages of development.

During the first six months of life, children begin to develop their baby teeth. They begin to lose their initial set of teeth at the age of 6 or 7, which are eventually replaced by secondary, permanent teeth. Children who do not receive sufficient dental care risk developing oral decay and illness, which can lead to a lifetime of pain and consequences. Early childhood dental caries is five times more prevalent than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children. At least one untreated decaying tooth affects one out of every five youngsters aged 5 to 11.

Treatment

Root canal treatment in milk teeth: The infection in the pulp, the live tissue located inside the tooth's roots, is removed during root canal therapy. Because the pulp houses the tooth's nerves, tooth discomfort is frequently a sign that decay has spread to the pulp. Root canal treatment is a basic process that involves cleaning the root canals of teeth using the equipment before introducing a drug to keep the teeth in the oral cavity.

Oral habits in children: Children frequently develop behaviors that can be damaging to teeth and the structures that support them, either temporarily or permanently. Repetition is the key to developing these behaviors. There is a purposeful attempt to execute the action in the early phases. After a while, the act becomes less aware, and if done frequently enough, it can reach the regions of oblivion. Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue pushing, lip biting, tooth grinding, and nail-biting are all frequent oral behaviors noticed in youngsters. Certain habitbreaking equipment aid a youngster who wants to break a habit but is unable to do so since the behavior has entered the subconscious level. They might be either detachable or fixed. Common pediatric dental appliances are twin block, frankly, habit breaking appliances, space maintainers, and head gear.

Prevention of treatments

Fluoride application: Dental decay is a typical condition that parents bring their children to the dentist for. This is due to the absence of sufficient brushing skills in youngsters. To avoid tooth decay, parents should have their children's teeth treated with fluoride at regular intervals. Fluoride aids in the battle against plaque and bacteria, which can lead to enamel loss, which leads to cavities. Fluoride also aids bone formation and strengthens tooth structure. Fluoride ions are incorporated into the tooth structure during this treatment, making it more susceptible to acid disintegration. Both milk and permanent teeth benefit from this therapy.

Sealants: Food and germs trapped in the pits and cracks of teeth are the major causes of decay. We chew food with our back teeth, which are never flat, such as molars and premolars. The depressions on these rear teeth are the pits and fissures mentioned before. They operate as possible bacteria and food traps, making the food prone to degradation. As a result, specific pits and fissure sealants are used as preventative precautions.

Toothpaste and toothbrush: Aside from the aforementioned treatment alternatives, make sure children wash their teeth twice a day. Brushing before bed is critical because the food consume during the day becomes caught between children’s teeth, where bacteria in children’s mouth feed on it overnight, causing decay. Teach youngster how to floss if at all feasible, since it provides additional protection for children’s teeth.