Use of silver diamine fluoride in pediatric dentistry has some value for our very young patients with untreated decay, or patients who cannot tolerate treatment. SDF is a colorless liquid containing both silver and fluoride ions. When placed on areas of a tooth that have decay, it arrests or stops the cavity from growing. Any decayed area that the SDF grabs on to turns black. The tooth will require re-application of the SDF in 1-3 months and it will need to be checked over time to make sure the cavity is still arrested. More often than not, the tooth will require restorative treatment (filling or crown) at a later date. Your dentist will determine the right timing for the application of SDF, and the restoration.
If a baby tooth requires extraction, it may require a space maintenance appliance to hold the space for the growing permanent tooth underneath. This is so the surrounding teeth do not move into the empty space where the baby tooth once was. Your child still may need orthodontic treatment in the future due to natural crowding or jaw misalignment.
When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe. Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.
Sealants are a great prevention tool that can really reduce your child’s risk for decay. With that being said, what are sealants? The sealant is a tool that the dentist uses to prevent decay. The sealant is made of a liquid resin material that can be flowed into the pits and grooves of back teeth. This resin material (sealant) is often cured with a special light and it turns into a hard protective solid. My goal in this article is to help people understand sealants and to help them understand how sealants can help their children. To do this we will discuss the following: 1.How do sealants work?, 2.How long do sealants last?, 3.How much do they cost? 4. What teeth should be sealed? 5. If my child has sealants is brushing and flossing still important?
How do sealants work? Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully it is sometimes difficult or impossible to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants seal out food and plaque and reduce your child’s risk for decay. Research says that sealants may reduce decay rate from 60 to 80 percent on permanent first molars.