The importance of pediatric orthodontics in the prevention of periodontal disease
Children’s oral health is critical to their overall well-being. A healthy smile not only improves their self-esteem and self-confidence but is also essential for their development and growth. Pediatric orthodontics plays a crucial role in the prevention of pediatric periodontal diseases, which can have serious long-term oral health consequences.
What are childhood periodontal diseases?
Pediatric periodontal diseases are a group of conditions that affect the gums and tissue surrounding the teeth. These diseases may include gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis is a more serious disease that can cause the destruction of the bone tissue that supports the teeth.
How does pediatric orthodontics prevent periodontal disease?
Pediatric orthodontics can prevent periodontal disease in several ways:
- Correcting dental alignment: Misaligned teeth can be difficult to clean properly, which increases the risk of plaque buildup and the development of periodontal disease. Orthodontics can help align teeth, facilitating oral hygiene and reducing the risk of disease.
- Closing spaces between teeth: Excessive spaces between teeth can also make cleaning more difficult and increase the risk of plaque buildup. Orthodontics can help close these spaces, improving oral hygiene and periodontal health.
- Palate expander: A narrow palate can affect the development of teeth and gums. Orthodontics can help expand the palate, creating space for teeth to grow properly and preventing crowding and malocclusion problems.
When is it advisable to start pediatric orthodontics?
The ideal age to start pediatric orthodontics varies from case to case. But it is recommended that children visit the orthodontist even before they lose all their baby teeth, usually around age 7. At this stage, the orthodontist can evaluate the child’s dental and skeletal development and determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary.
Although baby teeth are temporary, their care is essential for long-term oral health. Early visits to the orthodontist allow:
- Assess the child’s dental and skeletal development.
- Detect possible problems of malocclusion or dental crowding.
- Identify inappropriate oral habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing.
- Prevent the appearance of caries and periodontal diseases.
- Educate children about the importance of oral hygiene.
In some cases, the orthodontist may recommend interceptive orthodontic treatment for children with baby teeth.
Interceptive orthodontics is aimed at:
- Guide the growth of the maxillary bones.
- Correct bite problems.
- To create space for the eruption of permanent teeth.
- To prevent dental crowding problems.
Interceptive orthodontic treatments are usually shorter and simpler than corrective orthodontic treatments in adults.
Some examples of interceptive orthodontic treatments are:
- Palatal expansion appliances: to expand the palate and create space for the teeth.
- Disjunctors: to separate the upper maxillary teeth.
- Space maintainers: to prevent teeth from shifting after the loss of a baby tooth.
- Acrylic plates: to correct bite problems or slight dental crowding.
Benefits of pediatric orthodontics
- Prevent periodontal diseases
- Improving oral hygiene
- Correct dental alignment
- Improve smile esthetics
- Increasing self-esteem and self-confidence
- Improve masticatory function
- Prevent speech and articulation problems
Pediatric orthodontics is an investment in the oral health and overall well-being of children. Early intervention can prevent periodontal problems, improve oral hygiene and smile esthetics, and increase children’s self-confidence.
Remember
- Your children’s oral health is critical to their overall well-being.
- Pediatric orthodontics can prevent periodontal disease and improve the quality of life of children.
- In our dental clinic, we have a team of specialists in pediatric orthodontics that will provide the best care for your child.
If you have any doubts about whether your child requires pediatric orthodontic services, do not hesitate to contact us at our dental clinic or here on the website. I am Dr. Keyttia Beovides and I see small patients on a daily basis. Children who, thanks to an initial screening, evaluation, and timely treatment, we have been able to bring beautiful smiles to their faces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Smiles From Childhood
What does a healthy smile look like?
A healthy smile is characterized by clean, white teeth, and pink gums, and is well cared for, without cavities or visible bacterial plaques. It is also important to have good dental alignment and the absence of evil. breath.
How do you get a healthy smile?
To get a healthy smile, our dentist at Miramar Family Dental recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly.
What is the power of a healthy smile?
A healthy smile has the power to convey happiness, confidence, and positivity. It can improve interpersonal relationships, bring joy to others, and increase self-esteem. Additionally, a healthy smile can have benefits for physical and mental health, as it has been shown which reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.
Why my bright smile is so important?
A bright smile is important because it can convey confidence, happiness, and kindness. It can also make others feel comfortable and attracted to you. Maintain good oral hygiene and visit Regular visits to the dentist can help you maintain a healthy smile and radiant.
