Tooth decay in children is quite common as all kids have bacteria in their mouths. When foods that contain starches and sugars (carbohydrates) are not rinsed from the teeth, the bacteria in the mouth convert them into acids. These acids cause the enamel to rot over time and result in the formation of holes in the teeth called cavities. Caring for kids teeth and oral hygiene is instrumental in preventing cavities.

What causes cavities and tooth decay in children?

It is essential to identify the reasons for tooth decay. Your child may be at high risk of tooth decay if their diet is rich in carbohydrates and the water they consume has a limited amount of fluoride. High levels of bacteria in the mouth and a lower-than-normal saliva flow can also cause cavities. However, poor oral care and hygiene are the most common cause of tooth decay in children.

Signs and symptoms to look out for

White spots on the teeth are something to keep an eye on. The spots not only cause sensitivity but also mark the beginning of the breakdown of the enamel. While tooth decay in children may vary from child to child, the appearance of a light brown cavity on the tooth is a tell-tale sign of tooth decay. The cavity grows deeper over time and, if left untreated, turns black and erodes the tooth.

Ensuring proper kids oral care is crucial to identifying the signs and symptoms of tooth decay. If you missed the early signs, you could still tell if your little one needs to see a children’s dentist. The common symptoms include constant toothache, tooth sensitivity, spots, and bad breath.

Constant toothache

If your child is losing sleep due to continuous tooth pain with no apparent cause, they may have cavities. Even if the pain is not constant, but your child experiences the occasional shooting pain in the mouth, it may be time to take them to a children’s dentist.

Tooth sensitivity

If your child experiences pain or feels tenderness when consuming something sweet, hot, or cold, seek oral care immediately.

Spots

A children’s dentist must be consulted if black, brown, or grey spots appear on your child’s teeth.

Bad breath

If your child’s breath smells frequently, there may be an underlying problem, and a visit to the dentist is highly recommended.

Tips on preventing cavities and tooth decay in children

Tooth decay in children can be prevented with proper kids oral care and hygiene. Here are five helpful tips to help prevent cavities and tooth decay in your child:

Make sure your child understands how important kids oral care is. They must routinely brush their teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day from a young age to prevent tooth decay.

Visit a children’s dentist at least twice a year. The first visit must occur as soon as they get their first tooth and must continue on a bi-annual basis for life.

Avoid too much starchy food and sweets. Even the consumption of sugary beverages such as juice drinks and sodas must be limited.

Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables with high water content as they increase saliva production and prevent cavity-causing bacteria.

The simplest yet most effective way of caring for kids teeth is ensuring they consume enough water every day. Water flushes the bacteria from their mouth, thereby helping in the prevention of acid build-up and cavities.

Since tooth decay in children is a common occurrence, there is no need to worry when you detect signs or symptoms of a cavity. Consult with a children’s dentist immediately and follow the necessary precautions to prevent cavities and tooth decay in the future. Call Woodlawn Kids Dental today for cavity prevention and treatments for your little one.

Pediatric dental sedation is used to relax your child when they need to undergo a dental treatment that may be uncomfortable for them. The sedation is administered by the children’s dentist accompanied by a qualified medical anesthesiologist. The relaxed sensation may last up to six hours after the procedure. Let’s understand more about pediatric sleep dentistry.

A look at the three types of dental sedation

Depending on the type of dental treatment, the sedation required for the procedure will vary. The following are the three most commonly used pediatric dental sedation methods.

Oral sedation

This is the most minimally invasive method of sedation. It is administered through the mouth or nose. It is usually administered as a medication the dentist will ask your child to take when you arrive for the appointment. It takes about 20 minutes to take effect and will keep your child relaxed but responsive.

Laughing gas

Laughing gas is a safe combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is administered through a mask or tube. All your child has to do is breathe in normally through their nose. The gas takes effect in 20 seconds to 5 minutes. It is a mild sedative that blocks physical sensations such as touch, hearing, and pain while promoting feelings of euphoria. Who doesn’t love silly giggles after a day at the dentist?

Pediatric sleep sedation

Complete pediatric sleep sedation can be occasionally advised for more complicated treatments that may be longer, noisier, or more intrusive. General anesthesia is most often used in pediatric dentistry to promote a relaxing experience and the absence of any procedure-related recollections.

In order to put your little one to sleep for the duration of the dental procedure, complete sleep sedation uses intravenous (IV) drugs.

Why is dental sedation necessary?

Pediatric dental sedation is recommended when your child has to undergo a dental procedure that may be complex, noisy, or invasive. It’s also recommended for children who experience anxiety, have special needs, have a strong gag reflex, or if they’re very young.

Let’s take a look at a few benefits of pediatric sleep dentistry. It helps your child overcome dental phobias by promoting a calm and relaxed feeling. It allows them to receive complex treatments with little to no memory of the procedures.

Pediatric sleep dentistry helps children undergo multiple procedures at once and reduces the need for numerous visits to the dentist. It helps children with anxiety, difficulty staying still, or special needs to receive treatment without compromising the quality of care.

Is safety a concern?

Complete pediatric dental sedation is safe for children when skilled children’s dentists have a fully qualified medical anesthesiologist on the team.

Your child’s vitals, including blood oxygen levels, pulse, temperature, and blood pressure, are closely monitored. This is done throughout the procedure and the hours following until complete recovery.

Before scheduling any sleep dentistry surgery, utmost precaution is taken. A thorough evaluation of your child’s medical history, current medicines, allergies, and other possible concerns is done.

A professional dentist will always address any queries you may have to be sure it’s the perfect solution.

Pediatric sleep dentistry is a safe option to relax your child or put them to sleep during complex, invasive, and noisy procedures that may be traumatic for your child. Depending on the type of sedation used, dental sedation promotes a relaxed, sometimes happy feeling and will leave your child with a comfortable memory of their dental appointment. A professional dental clinic will ensure that sedation is the best fit and answer all your questions before choosing it as an option for your child. Have more questions on pediatric sleep dentistry? Contact Woodlawn Kids dental today!