Milk teeth are just as important as permanent teeth in terms of aesthetics, chewing, speech, and, importantly, they help stimulate the growth of the jaw and guide permanent teeth to emerge beautifully.
1.1 How to know if your child has tooth decay?
1) In the early stages of tooth decay, a white, opaque spot may appear on the tooth enamel.
2) If left untreated, the cavity will gradually spread and enlarge.
3) Cavities on the chewing surfaces become more noticeable once a hole has formed.
4) Decay on the interproximal surfaces of the teeth, where the cavity may not be visible, can be detected through X-ray images.
5) Significant loss of tooth structure can reduce the efficiency of chewing.
6) If the decay reaches the tooth's nerve, it can cause inflammation, leading to tooth pain or pus at the root tip.
7) Sometimes, children may not experience pain. However, if the bone surrounding the tooth root is severely damaged, the tooth may no longer be salvageable.
8) Inflammation from a tooth infection can spread to various areas of the face and under the chin, which can be dangerous as it may cause difficulty in breathing for the child.
1.2 Preventing tooth decay through the use of fluoride in children.
1) Fluoride supplements in tablet and liquid forms.
2) Topical fluoride treatments by a dentist, including fluoride varnish and fluoride gel coating.
3) Self-applied fluoride treatments, including fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash, for children over 6 years of age.
1.3 Prevention and treatment of children's teeth.
1) Dental sealants are materials applied to deep pits and grooves of teeth that are at high risk of decay.
2) Tooth restoration can be done in various ways, including filling with tooth-colored materials, amalgam fillings, and placing stainless steel crowns.
1.4 Treatment of primary tooth pulp (nerve).
1) Pulpotomy, which involves removing the tissue in the tooth's pulp (nerve).
2) Pulpectomy, which involves completely removing the tissue from the tooth's pulp (nerve).
3) The principle of pulp treatment is to restore the tooth with a stainless steel crown and follow up with check-ups every 6 months to 1 year.
1.5 Treatment of gaps caused by premature tooth loss.
1) If the permanent tooth in that position has not erupted within 6 months, a space maintainer should be used in an appropriate form based on the situation.
2) After placing a space maintainer, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and return for regular check-ups every 6 months to assess the condition of the device.
1.6 Cleaning children's oral cavity.
1) When there are no teeth yet, use a clean cloth dampened with cooled boiled water to gently wipe the gums twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
2) When the first teeth appear, use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, and parents should brush the child's teeth while they are sitting or lying down.
– Children under 2 years old: Use only a tiny amount of toothpaste on the brush tip.
– Children under 6 years old: Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
1.7 Brushing teeth in children.
1) Hold the toothbrush perpendicular to the surface of the teeth to be brushed, including the outer surface near the lips and cheeks, the chewing surface, the roof of the mouth, and the side near the tongue. Gently move the brush back and forth in small motions for each tooth, about 10-15 times, until each area is clean.
2) Parents should brush their young children's teeth and use dental floss if the teeth are close together. When children start learning to brush on their own, parents should follow up and brush again until the child can clean their teeth properly, usually around the age of 7-8 years.
1.8 Breastfeeding and weaning off the bottle.
1) Feed the baby at regular meal times, avoid giving the bottle every time the baby cries, and do not put sugary drinks or fruit juices in the bottle.
2) After each feeding, offer 1-2 teaspoons of water or clean the baby's mouth.
3) The ideal position for breastfeeding is a semi-sitting, semi-lying position. Babies should not be allowed to lie down while drinking from a bottle.
4) Around 6 months of age, children should start transitioning off nighttime feedings and begin learning to drink milk from a cup.
*** Bottle feeding should be stopped by the age of 1 to 1.5 years. ***
