Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ’S]

The truth is that whatever type of paste used, the method and frequency of brushing plays the important role in maintaining proper oral hygiene. Sometimes special indications for remineralising paste and fluoride paste for children more prone to develop cavities. Desensitising paste is mostly prescribed in adults with sensitivity in teeth.

The importances of milk teeth are esthetic value, for chewing, speaking and above all maintain the space and guide the underlying permanent teeth to erupt in proper position. If milk teeth are removed early then it affects esthetics, speech and the empty space encroached by the nearby teeth., thus causing difficulty in eruption of permanent teeth. Early removal of milk teeth also leads to abnormal tongue positioning habits.

The answer of Q.No: 2 reveals the importance of milk teeth. but if they have to be removed due to severe infection , then appliances called space maintainer are placed in position of the removed milk teeth. There are various types of space maintainers – removable and fixed, appliances with or without artificial teeth. Based on the type of milk teeth removed and whichever is feasible, the Pedodontist will advise for that particular type of appliance.

1. Two times brushing (morning and night). Brushing at night before going to bed is very important.
2. Gargling after each meal and snack
3. If food always gets lodged between the teeth then use of interdental brushes and flossing are to be used. This is mostly needed in elderly children greater than eleven years.
4. Decrease the frequency of consumption of sweets.

The arrangement of enamel crystals of primary teeth is different from that of permanent teeth. Thus the efficiency of light to pass through them is also different. This makes the milk teeth appear white and permanent teeth somewhat yellowish white. Children in age group of 8 years, when permanent front teeth have erupted but the back milk teeth are still present, there seems to be a greater difference in colour. But by 12 years when all milk teeth have fallen then there will be uniformity in colour.

When you notice that your child has irregularly or forwardly placed teeth, you are more worried and plan to put braces and fence their teeth so that they are in proper alignment. But on the contrary, fixed braces are normally not advised for very young children, removable appliances can be of some use in some indications. Sometimes mere wait and watch would be advised by your Pedodontist.

Sealants are those protective coatings given on newly erupted permanent teeth (especially molars- the last teeth) in order to prevent development of cavities. Sealants are indicated in those who are more prone to develop cavities and those teeth with irregular surfaces making maintenance of good oral hygiene a difficult job.

Each tooth has superficial enamel layer, middle dentin layer and the inner core pulp which has the bundle of nerves and blood vessels. When bacterial infection or injury to teeth is limited within enamel dentin, then fillings will be sufficient to replace the damaged tissue. But when the pulp tissue is involved it is a dangerous situation as the infection can easily spread to roots and then to the surrounding bone. So removal of the infected pulp tissue and giving it a proper filling upto the root end becomes necessary. This is called root canal treatment-RCT.

The ideal recommendation is as soon as the first tooth of your child erupts, you should meet the Pedodontist and get proper guidelines regarding various aspects of oral health. Then a regular visit at six month interval is essential. In children who develop cavities very easily a three month interval visit is mandatory.

The normal age varies between 6- 10 months of age. If your child has delay in milestones like sitting, standing and walking then more likely for the child to have delayed eruption.