Oral and Dental Pathologies in Children
A regular visit to the dentist increases the chance of early detection and then easier treatment of oral and dental pathologies and problem. A child who is not in pain is a more cooperative child in the dental chair. Northern Beaches Children’s Dentistry is a sub group of Park St Dental Practice and Offers high-end Children Dentistry in Mona Vale, Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Various teeth and gum problems can happen in children. Some but not all of them include:
- Tooth cavity(caries)
Very few patients are caries free, about 60 to 90 percent of school children and almost all adults experience a form of dental cavities.
Tooth decay or cavity is the loss of minerals from tooth structure caused by bacteria. Bacteria is present in dental plaque which covers the teeth surface The bacteria in the dental plaque metabolise the sugars in the food and produce acids which will demineralise the tooth surface.
Tooth Decay usually starts at the enamel of the tooth. Early stage of tooth decay is usually painless and the tooth seems undamaged from naked eye. Therefore, it is difficult for parents to notice the small decays on their children’s teeth.
Depends on the extend of the decay, various treatments might be considered.
The very early tooth decay can be restored by application of concentrated fluoride by dentist. Filling of the tooth with restorative material, children root canal treatment and crown might be considered for the more extensive decays. In some extreme case, removal of the severely decayed tooth, is the only possible way to eliminate child’s toothache and infection.
- Tooth Defects
One of the most common types of tooth defect is enamel hypoplasia. Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental dental defect when the tooth looks weak, chalky or discoloured.
Teeth with enamel hypoplasia has enamel with less thickness or enamel with poor quality. Enamel hypoplasia is a common condition and can be seen in 1 out of 5 school children in Australia. The “6-year-old molars” (first permanent molars) are the teeth at highest risk.
The condition can happen due to various reasons; any disturbances during the tooth formation can result in enamel defects which can affect the primary or permanent teeth.
The most common risk factors for enamel hypoplasia include but not limited to:
- Mother’s health during pregnancy (illness, medication, diet)
- Birth difficulties
- Premature birth
- Early childhood diseases (middle ear infection, viral infections, fever, high fever, etc.)
- Medications
- Child’s health issues during first four years of life
- Poor childhood diet
- Trauma to mouth or primary teeth
Hypoplastic teeth can be fragile and may wear or lose enamel easily. These teeth have high risk of dental decay and tooth sensitivity from heat and cold.
Early diagnosis and treatment of the enamel defect can reduce the child’s discomfort and increase the chance of saving the tooth. Treatment of the condition depends on severity of enamel hypoplasia. Some of the common treatment options include:
- In- chair Fluoride treatment or at-home Tooth Mousse cream application
- Restoration includes composite restoration or stainless steel crown.
- Extraction for very badly affected and severely decayed hypoplastic teeth followed by orthodontic management
- MOUTH SORES & INFECTIONS
There are many different types of mouth sores than can develop around or in the mouth. Some are painful, some are just unsightly and some may be a sign of something more serious. If a child’s mouth sore does not go away within 10 days, further assessment is a must. Consultation with a dentist as soon as a discomfort is expressed by child or something unusual is seen in or around the mouth is highly recommended.
Sore mouth in children can happen due to many reasons including but not limited to:
- Tooth infection and abscess
- Thrush or candidiasis
- Primary or secondary herpetic lesions or cold sores
- Gum inflammation or gingivitis
- Allergic reactions to medications/food
- Ulcers
- Tongue Tie
Tongue Tie, also known as Ankyloglossia, is a common condition. It is seen at birth and can cause a wide range of issues that may affect the child in different ways. Early diagnosis and assessment of the condition can prevent future problems. Infants with Tongue Tie condition have problem during the breastfeeding. If the Tongue Tie left untreated, it can lead to various issues like eating and digestion problem, teeth misalignment and speech problem. The condition can adversely and severely affect the individual’s social life during the childhood and adulthood.
A regular visit to the dentist increases the chance of early detection and then easier treatment of oral and dental pathologies. A child who is not in pain is a more cooperative child in the dental chair.
At Northern Beaches Children’s Dentistry and Park St Dental Practice, our aim is treating the children in a gentle and relax environment. Our aim is creating a fun dental experience for the children when they enjoy their dental visits . We value the most conservative and less invasive approaches and encourage regular dental check-ups for children and adults.
To book an appointment at Northern Beaches Children’s Dentistry in Mona Vale, call on 02 999 7 5770 and speak to one of our lovely staff. Alternatively, you can Book Online.
If you need an emergency appointment for your child, please call us immediately; we will try our best to see your child at the earliest possible time at Northern Beaches Children’s Dentistry in Mona Vale. we totally understand that oral and dental pathologies in children could be an extremely unpleasant experience for children and their parents.