Dental Issues To Look Out For In Your Kids

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As a parent, you’re largely responsible for the health of your kids' teeth. Certain dental issues could be important to look out for and treat in order to preserve your child’s teeth into adulthood. Below are just some of the biggest dental issues to look out for in your kids. 

Overcrowding

As kids’ adult teeth come through, they can often come through at odd angles. This can lead to areas of the mouth getting overcrowded. Such overcrowding can make brushing teeth harder, which can then increase the risk of other dental problems.

It could be worth looking into braces for your child to help realign the teeth. Metal braces are commonly recommended for kids with seriously misaligned teeth, however, your child may also be eligible for clear braces. In both cases, a mold of your child’s mouth will need to be taken so that braces can be precisely constructed to fit your child’s mouth. Braces are not cheap, although clear braces are usually more affordable. There are various different price plans that you can look into. 

Tartar build-up

If your child isn’t brushing their teeth properly, it could result in build-ups of plaque forming. These build-ups of plaque are known as tartar - on top of not looking nice, they can lead to decay if not treated.

You cannot remove tartar with a toothbrush in most cases. Instead, you are better off taking your child to a dentist so that a dental hygienist can professionally clean them. Tartar build-up can be avoided by making sure that your kids are brushing their teeth regularly and thoroughly. 

Decay

Many kids experience tooth decay. This is often the result of poor brushing combined with eating too much sugary snacks. That said, some people simply have teeth that are more prone to cavities.

If your child has started experiencing tooth decay, it could be worth getting them to see a dentist as soon as you can. A dentist will be able to clean away the decay and place a filling in the tooth to prevent further decay. If teeth are seriously decayed, they may need to be completely removed and possibly replaced with implants. Children typically do not have to pay for fillings and implants with a NHS dentist.

Toothaches

If your child is complaining that their tooth hurts, it’s worth taking them to a dentist as soon as you can. A toothache is often a sign of an infection - which could spread if not treated.

If caught early enough, most infections can be easily treated with a prescription of antibiotics. However, long-term infections may require other forms of treatment such as root canal treatment or tooth removal. A dentist will be able to numb your child’s teeth so that they do not feel anything if a dental procedure is required.  You should never ignore seeing a dentist, even if your child claims that the pain seems to have gone away (sometimes when a toothache goes away on its own it’s because the nerve has been killed off by the infection - and therefore the infection still needs to be treated). 

Treating Chronic Gum Disease

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Good oral health protects the teeth, gum, and surrounding bone structures while preserving your brilliant smile. It also helps prevent diseases and conditions associated with poor oral health, such as chronic periodontitis.

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious condition that results from bacterial infection of the gum and supporting bone structure of the teeth. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Oral Health Division reports that 47.2% of individuals in the US who are above the age of 30 will develop some type of periodontal disease.

Among the types of periodontitis, chronic periodontitis is most common. It occurs when excess plaque buildup, due to poor oral hygiene, cause inflammation and other symptoms. Although chronic periodontitis can be treated in other ways, Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) is a new technology being used to get rid of it.

Understanding Chronic Periodontitis

Plaque is that off-white layer of hardened food particles that sticks to the surface of teeth. It occurs mainly in hard-to-reach places in the mouth, such as on or between teeth at the back of the mouth. Plaque build-up results in gingivitis, the early stage of periodontitis where the gum becomes inflamed, swell, and bleed. If left unchecked, gingivitis can turn into advanced gum disease or chronic periodontitis.

Gum affected by chronic periodontitis appears severely inflamed, is infected with a colony of bacteria, and bleeds easily, especially during brushing. Severe bad breath (halitosis), sensitive gum, and receding gum are other symptoms. Inflammation and bacteria eventually spread down into the periodontal pockets along the root of the teeth, destroying tissues and bone that keep the teeth in place. This process occurs gradually over several years and eventually leads to teeth loosening and loss.

In extreme cases, Bacteremias and other types of periodontal bacteria can enter the body and compromise the immune system. Periodontal disease has been linked to medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, kidney failure, and Alzheimer’s, some of which are potentially life-threatening. Diabetics with unhealthy gum are said to be twice as likely to develop heart disease and kidney failure. In addition, low birth weight is associated with gum disease in pregnant women.

Risk Factors of Chronic Periodontitis

Although poor hygiene is one of the most common cause of chronic periodontitis, there are several other existing risk factors for developing periodontal disease. Its severity and the extent of damage it wreaks depend heavily on the root cause.

The following are some common causes of this dental problem. Knowing them can help you reduce the risk of developing gum disease and associated diseases or conditions. Some of them can even be managed or eliminated from a person’s lifestyle to prevent or reduce the risk.

• Genetics

• Age

• Stress

• Nutrition

• Medication

• Smoking

• Faulty dentistry

• Diabetes

• History of periodontal disease

• Compromised immune system (e.g., due to H.I.V or cancer treatment)

The Laser Bacterial Reduction Procedure

Inflamed periodontal pockets of the tooth can become a haven for billions of bacteria. Laser bacterial reduction is a new technique in the dentist’s arsenal that involves the use of soft tissue lasers to attack periodontal disease at a microscopic level. The dentist uses a non-cutting laser in a circular, sweeping motion to get within the pockets of the gum. The laser light is used to destroy bacterial colonies and can drastically reduce bacterial count from billions to hundreds within seconds!

Other cleaning and treatment methods, used prior to this cutting-edge laser technique, are unable to achieve these results. Reducing oral bacteria with laser treatment is proven to be quite effective in eliminating periodontal bacteria within 5-10 minutes.

Laser bacterial reduction is used to complement other techniques and therapies used to treat periodontal disease and promote oral health. It should not be taken as a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing or routine dental cleaning used to maintain oral health. Routine oral care at home, post-treatment, is necessary to aid reattachment of the gum pockets and prevent the disease from coming back.

Benefits of Laser Bacterial Reduction

There are several benefits of laser bacterial reduction that can help improve oral and overall health and well-being. They include the following:

• Quick, effective method of getting rid of millions of infectious bacteria in seconds

• Practically painless procedure that stops gum disease

• No need to cut the gum

• Helps stabilize loose tooth

• Restores gum health when complemented with routine home and dental care

• If done early, can prevent or slow bone structure damage and tooth loss

• Prevents the spread of inflammation that can cause other diseases and conditions

• Less tissue damage and post-treatment discomfort, e.g., swelling, compared to other dental treatments and therapies

Good Candidates for Laser Bacterial Reduction

You may be a good candidate for laser bacterial reduction if the following applies to you:

• Your gum is chronically inflamed

• You show other signs and symptoms of chronic periodontitis

• You’ve tried dental treatments and therapies that failed

• You possess one or more of the risk factors, e.g., diabetes or a history of periodontitis

• You’re committed to maintaining routine oral care to prevent recurrence of the disease

Why Choosing an Expert Dentist is Important

All dentists do not have the same expertise and professionalism when it comes to providing outstanding dental services. This is why choosing a dentist with the necessary skills and experience can make the difference between a positive or negative experience in the dental chair. If you are seeking treatment for chronic periodontitis using laser bacterial reduction, you should choose a dentist who is certified and skilled in this procedure.

Dr.Marc Lazare, D.D.S., Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (M.A.G.D.), is a certified dentist who is highly experienced in laser bacterial treatment in New York City. He understands the importance of good oral health and the need for personalized patient care. He uses the latest dental tools, materials, and techniques when providing both adult and pediatric general and cosmetic services. 

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