Pediatric Dentistry
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is highly effective in preventing tooth decay. It is naturally found in soil, rocks, water (especially groundwater), and foods such as tea leaves, seafood, meat, and vegetables. Fluoride can help reduce the risk of tooth decay through two main mechanisms:
Mechanisms of Fluoride in Preventing Tooth Decay
1. Direct application of fluoride on the tooth surface:
- Strengthens the tooth surface.
- Reduces plaque buildup and helps remineralize teeth that have started to decay in the early stages.
2. Ingesting Fluoride:
- Fluoride that enters the body helps strengthen tooth structure while the teeth are still developing.
- It can be found in fluoridated drinking water, fluoride-enriched milk, and fluoride tablets.
Recommendations for Using Fluoride
1. For Children:
- Fluoride treatment can begin as soon as the first baby tooth erupts (around 6 months of age).
- It is recommended to consult with a dentist to assess the risk of tooth decay and choose the appropriate form and dosage of fluoride.
2. Using Fluoride Effectively:
- Use it in conjunction with proper oral care, such as brushing your teeth correctly and using dental floss.
- Adjust eating habits, such as reducing sugary foods and avoiding snacking between meals.
3. Dental Check-ups:
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for a dental check-up and additional recommendations.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants are a highly effective method for preventing tooth decay, especially on the chewing surfaces of teeth, which have pits and grooves that are prone to trapping bacteria and food particles.
1. Benefits of Dental Sealants:
- Makes the pits and grooves shallower.
- Reduces the area where bacteria and food particles can accumulate.
- Helps make it easier to clean the teeth.
2. Durability:
- The materials used for sealing the teeth are durable as long as they remain securely attached to the teeth.
How to Prevent Baby Tooth Decay
- Train the child to sleep without sucking a bottle to reduce the accumulation of sugar from milk on the teeth.
- Teach the child to start using a drinking cup or sucking from a straw between the ages of 6–12 months and stop using a bottle after the age of 1.
- Teach the child to avoid sugary snacks or foods, which are a major factor in causing tooth decay.
- Encourage the child to rinse their mouth after drinking milk, eating snacks, or having meals to help reduce sugar stains and food particles.
- Brush the child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (morning and before bed).
- When the child turns 4, teach them to brush their teeth properly, and parents should assist.
- Take the child for their first dental check-up at the age of 1, and follow up with dental check-ups every 6 months to prevent tooth decay and receive guidance on dental care.
Spacing devices between teeth
Space maintainers are devices used to preserve the space left by lost baby teeth to prevent potential problems with the permanent teeth. These devices are made from both metal and acrylic materials.
The consequences of not using a space maintainer
1. Tilted Teeth:
- Neighboring teeth may tilt into the gap, causing the permanent tooth to erupt in the wrong position.
2. Crooked Teeth Position:
- Permanent teeth that erupt in the wrong position can lead to misalignment and an unattractive smile.
3. Abnormal Habits:
- The child may develop the habit of pushing the tongue into the gap, which can affect the shape and alignment of the teeth.
4. Thickening of the Tooth Socket:
- The thickening of the tooth socket may cause the permanent tooth to erupt more slowly than usual.