Many of the treatments performed by an adult and a pediatric dentist in Honolulu are similar—after all, cavities can appear no matter the age, and nowadays, orthodontics is also recommended for older patients. In every case, preventing tooth decay and encouraging oral hygiene for a healthy smile are top priorities.
However, certain adult dentistry treatments should never be performed on a child except in very specific cases. To help you understand what falls in pediatric dentistry and what’s a definite no for your kid, we came up with this guide.
Adult vs. Pediatric Dentistry: The Differences in Child and Adult’s Bites
Have you ever wondered why humans grow two sets of teeth? That’s due to the differences between children’s and adult teeth. The first set of teeth, referred to as milk teeth, starts to erupt when your kid is six months old, and by the time they’re three years old, your children will have all of their milk teeth. These will begin to fall out around the age of five or six.
Some of the differences between these two types of teeth include:
- Adult teeth are more robust than milk teeth. Because they have a thick enamel layer, cavities and tooth decay are less likely to affect them. Children’s teeth are softer and have less enamel, which is why they’re highly susceptible to damage by bacteria.
- The number of teeth in the first and second sets differs. There are typically only 20 teeth in a child, while adults have a total of 32 permanent teeth.
- Each set of teeth has different objectives. Although both kinds of teeth aid in healthy eating and speech, baby teeth are very important because they keep the jaw spaced so that adult teeth have enough space to erupt into the proper position. Adult teeth will then contribute to maintaining the mouth’s healthy and regular functioning.
However, even after getting their adult teeth, children’s smiles are still slightly weaker than adults’, making them unsuitable for several treatments we may consider normal. Let’s go over some of them.
1. Teeth Whitening in Children
Teeth whitening procedures are not advised for young patients, be it over-the-counter options or professional whitening services. These procedures are designed with adults in mind, so they contain chemicals that can irritate your baby’s teeth and gums, which are still developing and more vulnerable.
Furthermore, teeth whitening may worsen underlying dental conditions like cavities or gum disease in children, increasing tooth sensitivity, pain, and further damage. Instead of thinking about whitening, it’s better to encourage proper oral hygiene habits that prevent stains, such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Adopting these healthy habits will avoid the need for a whitening treatment while preventing early childhood cavities.
2. Filling Cavities with Mercury Amalgam
For many years, cavities have been treated with mercury amalgam fillings. Although they are affordable and long-lasting, their use in children isn’t encouraged as there are worries regarding the possible long-term effects of mercury exposure.
Children’s developing bodies are more susceptible to harmful substances, after all. For this reason, it’s advised that parents choose safer options, like composite resin fillings, which are mercury-free and can be tinted to match the teeth’s natural color.
3. Extractions of Healthy Baby Teeth for Cosmetic Reasons
Dentists frequently advise the extraction of baby teeth when there is significant decay or other dental problems, but it is best to avoid needlessly extracting healthy teeth.
Baby teeth are essential for guiding the eruption of permanent teeth. When healthy teeth are extracted for aesthetic reasons, like crowding, the natural eruption pattern is upset, which can later cause more orthodontic issues.
There are potential alternatives to extraction to deal with cases of overcrowding, like space maintainers, which help guarantee that the remaining teeth have enough space to grow.
4. General Anesthesia Without a Clear Medical Necessity
General anesthesia may be recommended in some cases to help a child remain comfortable and calm during a dental procedure, but it should only be used when it’s absolutely required—for example, in cases involving extreme anxiety, extensive dental work, or specific medical conditions.
Using general anesthesia in children comes with several risks, including respiratory complications. To prevent that, local anesthesia or conscious sedation techniques are better when performing dental procedures on children. If it seems like general anesthesia is necessary for your child, consult with your dentist and a pediatrician of trust about its safety and risks before agreeing.
5. Root Canals on Baby Teeth
A root canal is a common procedure to save and restore a severely decayed or infected tooth while preventing tooth loss. While very common among adults, root canal therapy shouldn’t be performed on a child’s baby tooth unless there’s no alternative.
Baby teeth are temporary and will eventually fall out. A root canal procedure is a long and painful process that can be especially complicated for young children due to their developing immune systems and smaller anatomy, so a dentist may suggest a less invasive procedure, like a filling.
In many cases, this is a better course of action for a primary tooth that is likely to fall out soon.
6. Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) in Excessive Quantities
Children’s cavities can be treated with a liquid solution called silver diamine fluoride (SDF). It can stop decay from worsening and avoid needing more drastic measures, but it should not be used excessively.
SDF may discolor the affected teeth, leaving an irreversible dark stain behind. This can cause worry, particularly for older kids who are self-conscious about their looks. SDF should always be a part of a larger treatment plan and only be used when other options, such as fillings, are impractical.
Get Adequate Advice from a Pediatric Dentist in Honolulu
Caring for your child’s teeth when they’re young lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Regular dental checkups are necessary, but because their teeth and anatomy are still developing, there are certain dental procedures children should never have done on them.
These treatments, like teeth whitening and mercury fillings, are either too intrusive or inappropriate for young children, potentially endangering their oral health. That’s why visiting a pediatric dentist at Kidshine Pediatric Dental is key. We can provide specific and professional advice, so reach out!