Treatment of dental caries in children

Why treat baby teeth when they will soon fall out anyway? This is one of the most common questions that can be heard from parents at the dentist’s office. Caries is the process of destruction of hard tooth tissue, and in children, due to physiological features, it often develops rapidly: from the initial stage to pulpitis can take only a few months.

Childhood tooth decay is very insidious – It quickly leads to complications such as pulpitis, periodontitis, formation of root cysts and, in the most severe cases, abscesses and osteomyelitis. The inflammatory process can even reach the rudiments of the permanent dentition and seriously damage them.

It should not be forgotten that baby teeth are not invented by nature for nothing, each tooth “holds the place” for a permanent tooth and affects the formation of the jaw. If temporary teeth are destroyed by decay or extracted early – the jaw can be formed incorrectly, which will lead to problems with the bite and distortion of the dentition. Early tooth loss will also cause problems with chewing and sometimes speech impediments.

Specialists at City Smile Dental Center always tell parents that milk teeth should be treated as seriously as permanent teeth. Regular check-ups with the doctor should be the norm (every 6 months if there are no complaints), and timely preventive measures will help prevent any oral diseases.

Treatment of decayed baby teeth

If treatment cannot be avoided, it is worth visiting a dentist without delay. In the early stages of tooth decay, treatment can be carried out very quickly and unnoticeably for the child, even without the use of a drill. In case of more serious problems, an experienced specialist will choose an adequate anesthetic for the child, sometimes it is worth considering treatment under sedation or general anesthesia. The latter method is particularly good in cases where the carious lesions are multiple and deep. Medicated sleep will allow to eliminate all problems in one appointment, and the child will not experience the stress of painful treatment and frequent visits to the dental office.

Doctors City Smile Dental Center understands that in the case of dental treatment in children, the psychological component is no less important than the therapeutic one. Dental treatment by force has long been a thing of the past. Nowadays, one of the main tasks of a pediatric dentist is to inspire confidence in the child, make him/her feel comfortable with treatment and quickly eliminate all dental problems. Our doctors will surround the baby with care, spend a lot of time getting acquainted, play. And in the future the child will run with delight to his favorite dentist without the slightest fear of dental treatment.

How do you prevent tooth decay in children?

Preventing tooth decay requires a diet with less sugar, impeccable oral hygiene and regular check-ups with the dentist. Principles that need to be internalized from an early age. The bacteria found in dental plaque feed on starch and sugar, so it’s recommended to limit foods that contain it. But it’s not just about restricting certain foods. Introducing more nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, into your child’s diet can help mineralize your child’s saliva. Which helps fight plaque.

How to detect tooth decay in a child?

If your child has tooth sensitivity, pain, or bad breath, it could be a sign of tooth decay. Sometimes the decay is visible on the tooth and forms a white plaque or dark stain. In either case, it is important to visit your dentist preventatively.

Is it worth treating a decayed baby tooth?

Because baby teeth are temporary and are replaced by permanent teeth, you may think that the appearance of decay on baby teeth has no consequences and no care is required. This is completely wrong! In the case of decay, temporary teeth need to be treated in the same way as permanent teeth to avoid pain, prevent the risk of infection spreading outside the mouth, and guarantee a healthy ecosystem for the development of permanent teeth.