Dentistry for children can be a daunting experience. To children, dental practices may represent pain, a fear of strangers, and a fear of the unknown. Therefore, it is important that dental practices administer their treatments with a warmth and compassion that will make it much easier for children to cope with. If you need a dentist in Mackay, then find out where you can receive dental treatment for your child.
Dental hygiene
Dental hygiene is in many ways more important for children, as their teeth are more fragile than those of an adult and they may consume more sugar. Therefore, it is important to instill in them a habit of brushing teeth early on, so that they can maintain their oral health into adolescence. Make sure to ask your dentist about any brushing techniques that are suitable for your children to ensure that they maintain perfect dental hygiene, and avoid a litany of potential problems.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the process of correcting teeth and jaw alignment with a series of treatments and techniques. As this is a process of gentle adjustment, then the earlier that this can be administered the better. Most dental practices will be able to identify a problem in a child as young as 5 and be able to advise on the best course of action. Often, like many medical issues, if the issue is recognised early on, then it can reduce the amount of treatment necessary in future.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a treatment of the frenum, which are the small bands of tissue that connect your tongue to the base of your mouth (the lingual frenum) and the top lip to the upper jaw gum line (labial frenum). Many children can suffer from a shortened frenum which can result in some difficulties. A shortened labial frenum can cause gum recession, and a gap in the teeth, both of which can be damaging to oral health and aesthetics of teeth. A shortened lingual frenum can have more serious consequences, as it can result in the restriction of tongue movement, which can cause speech and orthodontic problems. A frenectomy works to simply release the frenum and free movement of your child’s lips and tongue, so that their oral development can continue as normal.
Fissure sealants
While you can advise your children on brushing techniques, and even brush their teeth yourself, it can be difficult to make sure that sufficient bacteria have been removed. Therefore, fissure sealants can be added to any area that your dentist may be concerned about, such as areas of the tooth with particularly deep grooves. Fissure sealants are a tooth coloured resin, and work by bonding to the tooth to essentially fill in the gaps. Fissure sealants are different to a filling, as they are simply preventative, as opposed to treatment. The procedure is largely painless too, as it is only added to the surface of the tooth, and can be completed in just one session.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.
