What are the Best Dental Treatments for Children?

Caring for a child’s teeth from a young age is crucial for their overall health and development. While many parents focus on daily brushing and flossing, understanding the range of professional dental treatments available can make a significant difference in preventing future problems. From routine check-ups to more specialised procedures, a variety of treatments are designed to keep children’s smiles bright and healthy throughout their formative years. This guide explores some of the most effective dental treatments available for children at Dr Mali Dental Clinic, explaining what they are and why they are so important.

Preventative Care: The First Line of Defence

The old adage that prevention is better than cure holds especially true in paediatric dentistry. Proactive treatments can help avoid the pain and expense of more complex procedures later on.

Fluoride Varnish Application

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a vital role in strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars. For children, a professional fluoride varnish application is one of the most effective preventative measures. Applied as a thick, sticky liquid to the teeth, it provides a high concentration of fluoride directly to the enamel. This treatment is quick, painless, and highly effective at reducing the risk of tooth decay, particularly in younger children who may not yet be proficient at brushing all areas of their mouths. It’s often recommended as part of a routine check-up.

Fissure Sealants

The chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) are often rough and have deep grooves, or fissures, that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush. These areas are prime spots for plaque and food particles to accumulate, leading to cavities. Fissure sealants are a fantastic solution to this problem. They are a protective plastic coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant flows into the deep grooves, creating a smooth, sealed surface that prevents bacteria from getting in. The procedure is non-invasive, quick, and requires no drilling or anaesthesia. Once applied, a sealant can last for several years, providing long-term protection against decay.

Restorative Treatments: Repairing and Protecting Teeth

Despite the best preventative efforts, children can still develop cavities or suffer dental injuries. Restorative treatments are designed to repair damaged teeth and restore their function.

Tooth-Coloured Fillings

When a cavity is detected, a filling is necessary to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the space to prevent further damage. While traditional metal fillings were once common, tooth-coloured fillings, made from composite resin, are now the preferred choice for children. These fillings blend seamlessly with the natural colour of the tooth, making them virtually invisible. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which can provide extra support. They are ideal for repairing small to medium-sized cavities and are a great option for maintaining a natural-looking smile.

Crowns for Baby Teeth and Adult Teeth

In cases of extensive decay or after a root canal on a baby tooth, a simple filling may not be enough to restore the tooth’s structure. In such situations, a crown is often the best solution. Crowns are a type of cap that covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further decay and providing strength. For baby teeth, a variety of crowns are available, including stainless steel crowns and tooth-coloured zirconia crowns. Stainless steel crowns are durable and are often used for back teeth. Zirconia crowns, on the other hand, are highly aesthetic and are a popular choice for visible teeth. For adult teeth that have come through, crowns can also be used to protect severely decayed or fractured teeth.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatment

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a revolutionary treatment used to halt the progression of tooth decay. It is a liquid applied directly to a cavity, and it works by killing the bacteria that cause decay and hardening the tooth structure. SDF is particularly useful for treating very young or uncooperative children, as it is a non-invasive, painless procedure that avoids the need for a drill. While it is highly effective at stopping decay, a known side effect is that it will stain the decayed area of the tooth black. For this reason, it is most often used on back teeth, where the discolouration is not as visible.

Root Canal Treatment for Baby and Adult Teeth

When decay reaches the nerve (pulp) of a tooth, it can cause severe pain and infection. A root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth. For baby teeth, this procedure is called a pulpotomy or pulpectomy. The infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is filled and sealed. This ensures the tooth is saved until it is naturally replaced by the adult tooth. For adult teeth that have erupted, a full root canal is a more complex procedure to remove the infected pulp from the roots of the tooth. Saving a tooth with a root canal is always preferable to extraction, as it preserves the alignment of other teeth and maintains chewing function.

Cosmetic and Aesthetic Treatments

Cosmetic dentistry for children goes beyond just aesthetics; it can also help to build confidence and address minor issues that could become more significant later on.

Resin Infiltration

Early stages of decay, often appearing as white spots on the teeth, can be challenging to treat. Resin infiltration is a minimally invasive treatment that can stop these early lesions from progressing into full-blown cavities. A special resin is applied to the affected area, which soaks into the porous enamel, strengthening it and making the white spots less noticeable. This treatment avoids the need for drilling and can be an excellent option for children with minor decay on their front teeth.

Microabrasion

For some children, white or brown stains on their teeth can be a source of embarrassment. These stains can be caused by various factors, including mild fluorosis or enamel defects. Microabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that can effectively remove these stains. It involves using a combination of a mild acid and a gentle abrasive to lightly polish the surface of the enamel, removing the discoloured layer. This procedure is painless and can significantly improve the appearance of the teeth.

Removable Appliance and Orthodontics

While braces are the most well-known form of orthodontics, other treatments are available for children and teens to correct jaw alignment and crowded teeth. A removable appliance is a type of brace that can be taken out for cleaning and eating. They are often used to correct minor tooth movements or to create space for adult teeth to erupt properly. Early orthodontic intervention can be a game-changer, addressing issues before they become more severe and potentially shortening the duration of future treatment with braces.

Surgical and Specialised Treatments

In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to address more complex dental issues.

Removal of Baby and Adult Teeth

Sometimes, a tooth cannot be saved due to severe decay, infection, or trauma. In these instances, extraction (removal) may be the only option. The procedure is carefully performed to ensure the child is comfortable and at ease. In some cases, a baby tooth may need to be removed to make way for a permanent tooth that is struggling to erupt. For adult teeth, extraction is a last resort, as preserving natural teeth is always the primary goal.

Frenectomy and Tongue Tie Release

A frenum is a small piece of tissue that connects the lips to the gums (labial frenum) or the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum). If a frenum is too short or tight, it can cause a “tongue tie” or “lip tie,” which can lead to problems with speech, eating, and oral hygiene. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure to release this tissue, allowing for better movement. It is a quick and effective treatment that can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.

Sedation for Children

For children who are anxious or have special needs, dental treatment can be a source of significant stress. To ensure a positive experience, many dentists offer sedation options. These can range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which helps a child relax while remaining conscious, to deeper sedation for more complex procedures. Sedation makes it possible for even the most anxious child to receive the care they need safely and comfortably.

Conclusion

A healthy smile is a foundation for a child’s overall well-being. By understanding the wide range of dental treatments available, parents can work with a paediatric dentist to create a proactive care plan that addresses their child’s unique needs. From preventative measures like fluoride varnish and fissure sealants to restorative and cosmetic procedures, modern paediatric dentistry offers many options to ensure that every child can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. Regular check-ups and open communication with your dental professional are key to making the best choices for your child’s oral health.