CONSULTATION

 

FIRST VISIT TO DENTIST: FIRST APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE

The child’s first visit is the most important visit as the motivation and help that the child receive during this visit will help him enjoy, understand and accept dental care. Time taken to introduce the child in a fun way to the dental chair and equipment used in the care helps to remove fear and apprehension that he may have and help him to settle in.

 

DIET COUNSELLING AND PREVENTIVE ADVICE

Parents are important members of the health team in helping the child achieve and sustain good oral health care habits. Parents are enlightened on how and what to do to explain, motivate and help the child in his daily diet.

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES (ECC) CAUSED BY MILK FEEDS

For infants under 2 years of age, knowledge of ECC-rampant decay caused by milk from breast feeding or bottle feeding are very essential to avoid future problems and expensive treatment that will arise. Knowing how and what to do after a milk feed will help to avoid these problems.

 

ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOTH PARENTS AND CHILD

Parents are taught how to get the message across to the child in a fun and simple way designed to help the child understand and be motivated.

 

 

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Dealing with children involves knowledge of growth and development as the child is in an active state of growth both in the jaws, teeth and face. For example: As and when to remove baby teeth that are blocking the erupting permanent teeth, habits like thumb sucking are common problems. Early detection and care helps to lessen the problem.

 

PROPHYLAXIS AND TOPICAL FLUORIDE APPLICATION

Cleaning and polishing the teeth with a special paste and then applying a protective coat of fluoride gel are essential preventive measures in the routine six-monthly checkups for children. This will help to lessen the impact of acid that causes cavities on the teeth.

 

FISSURE SEALANTS

This is a preventive measure where the grooves on the surface of the permanent molars are sealed or blocked off to prevent food trap and cavities. This is especially necessary for teeth in children that have deep grooves and for those who are prone to decay for unknown reasons.

 

PULPAL (NERVE) TREATMENT IN CHILDREN

Structurally, children’s teeth are not only thinner but they also have larger pulps (nerve). As a result they are very prone to nerve infections if they get a cavity as compared to an adult tooth. These teeth are now saved through pulpal treatment instead of extraction as they need to be retained to preserve the space for the developing permanent successor. Early loss of such teeth can lead to crowded or crooked teeth.

 

TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS

Materials are now available to fill children’s teeth much easier.

 

STAINLESS STEEL (SS) CROWNS

These are prefabricated crowns made from stainless steel for children’s teeth that are too broken down for a normal filling.

 

EXTRACTIONS

Proper technique helps the child to accept this most unpleasant procedure