Pediatric dentistry

Yes. Baby teeth are very important for the following reasons:

• They allow biting and chewing food.
• They act as a guide for the permanent teeth. Some baby teeth will not fall out until they are 11-12 years old.
• They save space for permanent teeth that will come in later.
• They help pronounce some words.
• They are very important for the child’s self-esteem and for the
  smile.

In some cases, dental eruption can cause the following problems:

• Red and swollen gums.
• Red cheeks.
• Salivation.
• Disturbed sleep.
  Note:
  There are teething rings that can be refrigerated and that alleviate the situation. A gentle massage of the gums can also be helpful. Keep in mind that the listed symptoms are not always due to teething. Consult your pediatrician.

No. Like permanent or permanent teeth, milk or temporary teeth also have a root, although this gradually disappears as the moment of tooth loss approaches.

• The tooth is made up of the crown (the part we see) and the root.
• The outermost layer of the tooth is called enamel (1). It is the hardest and most resistant.
• Beneath the enamel is the dentin (2).
• The innermost part is called the pulp (3). In it is the nerve and blood supply to the tooth. The pulp extends from the crown to the tip of the root.
• Surrounding the tooth is the gum (4). The root of the tooth is fixed to the bone (6) through the periodontal ligament (5).

It is the first permanent tooth that normally appears in the mouth around 6 years of age. It is a very important tooth and, unfortunately, many times parents confuse it with a milk tooth.

• The 6-year-old molar comes out behind the two baby molars.
• Its size is much greater than that of milk teeth.
• When it erupts, the two baby molars are still in the mouth.
• It is one of the most important permanent teeth to maintain a correct occlusion.
• It is usually the tooth that is most affected by cavities. The dentist will tell you how to prevent them with fissure sealants.

Indeed, depending on the age, a series of concepts must be taken into account:

At these ages, parents should supervise tooth brushing. This should be done at least twice a day (in the morning and at night before going to bed). The amount of fluorinated paste depends on age:

• up to 3 years of age, pasta the size of a grain of rice is put on;
• from 3 to 6 years old it increases to the size of a pea
• and from the age of 6, the pasta is increased to the size of a chickpea.
• They should not be rinsed after brushing and make sure they spit out the paste.
• It can be started with the electric brush as it has shown better results in reducing plaque and gingivitis than the manual one.

Dentists recommend changing the brush every 3 months because it deteriorates and loses its effectiveness.

• Toothbrushes have a half life and with their use they become deformed, losing their cleaning capacity.
• Sometimes the defoof the bristles is not visible to the naked eye.
• Always remember to rinse the toothbrush very well after each use. It must always be clean.

Yes. Starting early with healthy dietary habits will help maintain proper oral health, both in the baby teeth and in future permanent teeth.

• Both the amount of sugar in food or drinks and the number of times it is consumed per day are detrimental to dental health.
• Reserve the consumption of sugary products only for meals. Avoid sugary products between meals.
• For snacks between meals use fruits, vegetables, yogurt, cheese or bread.
• Water and milk are the healthiest beverages for teeth. Leave other types of drinks such as bottled juices or soft drinks for exceptional situations and always during meals.
• “Low sugar” or “no added sugar” labels do not mean they are sugar-free.
• The WHO recommends not taking more than 5 teaspoons of sugar per day.

A diet low in sugar, salt and fat, and high in fruits and vegetables reduces oral diseases and contributes to good general health.

• Remember that eating well is not synonymous with eating a lot. Excess weight and childhood obesity are becoming more frequent in our country.
• Eating well is eating in a balanced way. Do not forget that we are in a country where, traditionally, the Mediterranean diet is used, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and fish.
• Eating well will allow your child to grow healthy. Not only will it help him have a healthy mouth, but it will influence his general health and his growth.

Caries in babies and young children is called early childhood caries. It can destroy teeth and occurs mostly in the upper front teeth, although it can affect other teeth. In addition to cavities from the bottle on demand at bedtime, they are also caused by the
frequent contact with sugary drinks, juices, milk (including breast milk on the teeth), due to lack of oral hygiene before bedtime.

• Never dip the pacifier in sugar or honey.
• Do not leave the baby lying down with the bottle, unless it contains water.
• Remember to clean his teeth after every meal and always before going to bed.

Some little ones suck their thumb very hard and this can cause their teeth to shift significantly out of their usual place.

• Most babies like to suck because it gives them pleasure.
• In the long term, this habit can deform the dental arch.
• Educate, little by little, your child to stop the habit.
• From the age of 2, the habit must be suppressed.
• If this is not possible, consult a dentist. He will help you.

It is totally false. Baby teeth must be treated because they can cause infections, be lost early and create problems later. In addition, the bacteria present in the caries of the baby teeth can also affect the permanent teeth, causing caries in these as well.

• When you notice a cavity in a milk tooth, immediately make an appointment with the dentist.
• The presence of cavities in baby teeth indicates that something is wrong and that action should be taken.
• The dentist, in addition to treating the milk tooth, will give you preventive advice according to your child’s age to avoid new cavities.
• Do not forget that the best guarantee that your child has a healthy permanent dentition is that he also keeps his milk teeth healthy.

Ideally, the first visit should take place in the first year of life. also in these.

• This first contact with the dental clinic is fundamental because it will mark future behavior forever. Its objective is to detect and prevent pathologies, early caries or other anomalies. It is very important that we take him as soon as possible so that the child becomes familiar with the dentist and the environment, without waiting to take him when he is ill because the experience will be more negative.