Pediatric dentists provide preventive care and disease treatment for children's teeth and gums. Children have special dental needs as they develop, so proper dental care at an early age can reduce the risk of dental problems later in life. Some children have pediatric dental issues that require intervention to prevent more serious complications.
Thumb Sucking
Children may suck their thumbs for several reasons. Dr. Benjamin Spock, author of "Baby and Child Care," explains that infants have a need to suck until they reach 6 months of age. Older infants and toddlers suck their thumbs because of boredom, fatigue and stress. Some children also find it soothing. This habit can cause the teeth to grow out of alignment or cause reshaping of the jaw, especially if a child aggressively sucks her thumb. Some pediatric dentists use dental appliance therapy to stop thumb sucking in children. An orthodontist installs a dental appliance known as a fence to prevent thumb sucking. Children with this appliance should avoid sticky, sugary or chewy foods. They also need to brush the appliance with toothpaste in the morning, after eating and before bedtime.
Early Childhood Caries
The California Dental Association defines early childhood caries as a type of infection caused by bacteria that stick to plaque on the teeth. These bacteria feed on the sugars from fruits, juices, dairy products and other foods. Also known as baby bottle tooth decay, this condition occurs more often in children who sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. When a child falls asleep while sucking on a bottle, the liquid sits in the mouth for a long period of time. As the bacteria in the mouth multiply, they produce acids that break down the outer surface of the teeth, leading to cavities. Limiting the intake of sugary foods and using only water in bedtime bottles can prevent this condition.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes swelling, irritation and easy bleeding of the gums. Nearly all children have this condition, according to Perio.org, the website of the American Academy of Periodontology. Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can prevent this condition and help children avoid more advanced forms of gum disease. Children should receive regular dental examinations for early diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma occurs when the force of an impact causes an injury to one or more teeth. These injuries occur due to slips and falls, high-impact sports and physical altercations, according to the Pediatric Dental Health website. Young children have an increased risk for dental trauma because they do not have fully developed coordination and motor skills. When assessing a dental injury, a dentist takes a complete medical and dental history of the patient, examines the teeth and gums, records all oral injuries and takes X-rays. Some dentists also take pictures for documentation purposes. Treatment for dental injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury.
