Good oral health is one of the foundations of a child’s overall well-being. Because children lose their primary teeth (also known as baby teeth) eventually, parents may think that oral care won’t matter until they have their permanent teeth. However, that’s not the case. Whether they have primary or permanent teeth, addressing children’s oral health problems immediately should be a priority. Learn more about paediatric dentistry in Singapore and kids’ dental care here.
Give your baby a head start by making their first visit to the dentist BEFORE there is decay, preferably age 1yr.
Paediatric dentists are trained to manage your precious one and will teach you how to hold your child so that we can do the examination quickly and comfortably. During that all important introduction, we will educate caregivers on correct diet, infant feeding and oral health habits, as well as the proper use of fluoride and tooth cleaning practices. Potential cavities can be detected early and arrested and high risk children monitored more closely.
Children’s Oral Health Problems and Dental Treatments
The following are the common oral health problems found in Paediatric Dentistry Singapore and their treatment:
Early Childhood Caries (Child Tooth Decay)
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a significant concern in paediatric dentistry, affecting a considerable number of young children in Singapore. ECC is a chronic disease characterized by the decay of baby teeth, particularly those under the age of 6. According to Health Hub, common causes for ECC are inadequate oral hygiene and poor dietary choices.
It’s important to treat caries in children because baby teeth affect the child’s appearance, eating, and speech development. They also allow enough space for the permanent teeth to grow. Furthermore, untreated child tooth decay can cause pain and swelling.
Treatment for ECC
Mild caries can be treated with dental fillings. However, in some cases where there won’t be enough tooth structure to support the restorative material, the dentist may recommend a crown or even extraction.
To combat ECC, paediatric dentists in Singapore advocate for preventive measures such as regular fluoride applications and educating parents on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet for their children as well as tips on how to ensure proper tooth brushing which can be challenging in young children. Early detection and preventive treatment like ICON Resin Infiltration Technique and silver diamine application can stop the progression of ECC, underscoring the necessity of routine dental check-ups.
Dental Trauma in Children
Children are inherently active and can be clumsy, making them susceptible to dental injuries that can affect their oral health. Dental trauma can range from minor chips to severe tooth avulsions when the tooth is displaced or totally knocked out.
Treatment for Dental Trauma
Immediate consultation with a paediatric dentist is critical to managing such emergencies effectively. Paediatric dentistry in Singapore includes emergency services designed to address dental trauma, emphasizing the importance of prompt treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Dentists recommend preventive strategies, like wearing mouthguards during sports activities to minimize the risk of dental injuries. For an existing trauma, the treatment depends on where the fracture is located (crown, crown-root, root, alveolar bone) and how complicated it is. Here are some of the suggested treatment strategies:
- For uncomplicated crown fracture and minor chips, a simple filling may still be performed.
- For more complicated crown-root fractures, the dentist may have no choice but resort to extraction and fabricate a transitional denture for the growing child
- The use of a splint for a couple of weeks may be necessary to stabilise shaky/mobile teeth for alveolar fractures.
Rushing to the dentist as soon as the trauma happens increases the chance of re-planting a tooth that has been knocked out. For this reason, if your child suffers such a tooth injury, secure the dislodged tooth/teeth; keep it moist and rush to the dentist right away.
Malocclusion in Children
Malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, is a common issue detected in children. Treatment is necessary as it can lead to difficulties in cleaning; eating, and even speech.
Treatment for Malocclusion
Paediatric dentistry in Singapore recommends early assessment to identify the need for orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, to correct malocclusion.
There are primarily two types of braces: fixed and removable.
Under fixed braces, there are:
- Traditional metal
- Self-ligating
- Tooth-colored
- Lingual
Under removable, there are:
- Aligners (such as Invisalign)
- Functional appliances
- Removable active appliances
Periodontal Disease (Gingivitis) in Children
Periodontal disease in its initial stage, known as gingivitis, manifests through red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Children, like adults, can be affected by gingivitis, often due to poor oral hygiene.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Regular dental check-ups facilitate early detection and treatment, which typically involves professional cleaning and guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Reminders on Dental Treatments for Children in Singapore
Paediatric dentistry in Singapore is comprehensive, offering a wide range of dental treatments to address the changing needs of children as they grow (teething issues) and develop. Their caries risk may also change as their food preferences evolve. From routine cleanings and fluoride treatments to more complex procedures like braces for children, the goal is to ensure optimal oral health and development.
To best take care of your children’s oral health, it’s crucial to bring them to the dentist regularly – usually twice a year as ECC is painless when it first develops. Therefore parents often miss the early stages of decay when conservative treatment can be initiated and bring their kids to us too late. If there are concerns, get in touch with the dentist right away, so your child can receive the right diagnosis and dental treatments.
Key Takeaways
An appropriate early introduction to dentistry can reduce anxiety and establish your child as a confident dental patient for life.
The early years of a child’s life are critical for setting the foundation for good oral health. Common oral diseases like ECC, dental trauma, malocclusion, and gingivitis can have lasting impacts if not addressed promptly. Paediatric dentistry in Singapore plays a vital role in educating families about children’s oral health and providing kids dental care tailored to prevent and treat these conditions.
References:
Paediatric Dentistry, https://www.ndcs.com.sg/patient-care/specialties-and-services/paediatric-dentistry-unit Accessed May 27, 2024
Early Childhood Caries: Tooth Decay in Children, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/early_childhood_carries_sdhf Accessed May 27, 2024
The Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries,https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/02/19_TraumaGuidelines.pdf, Accessed May 27, 2024
Dental Trauma, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/topics_dental_trauma#4 Accessed May 27, 2024
Malocclusion and Dental Braces, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/braces_sdhf Accessed May 27, 2024
