You may wonder why a child would need to have a dental implant. The sad truth is, many do, not only for cosmetic reasons, but for prevention of poor oral health and bone loss from missing teeth. The psychological effects of growing up with missing teeth due to loss through accident or childhood disease can have a profound affect. Most children are not equipped mentally or emotionally to handle the peer pressure and taunting from fellow classmates due to their less than perfect appearance.
It's up to the wise and concerned parent to consider the emotional needs of the child and take them for consultation with a dental professional to obtain information on options to enhance the child's appearance. This should be done without delay in order to prevent any psychological damage.
Dental implants for children, even as young as five, are extremely safe and functional. The implant is made of titanium and other compatible materials and when medically implanted in the gum will fuse, over time, with the existing bone. The implants usually take a very short time to put in place, are not painful and antibiotics are administered afterward to prevent infection. The process can be somewhat time-consuming so this feature must be taken into account in the child's every day life.
It is vitally important after the implants have been embedded, that the child and parent strictly adhere to good oral hygiene such as the use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, daily flossing and regular dental checkups. Your dental professional will most likely require periodic X-rays to be sure the implants are not hindering normal bone and gum growth.
As far as cost is concerned, many insurance companies see the need for implants in children and are willing to help pay for a good bit of the expense. The parent must always keep in mind that they will want to seek the best possible help for their child. The dental work done at a tender age and the establishment of good dental hygiene, not to speak of the self-esteem benefit from an enhanced appearance, will benefit the child greatly over his or her lifetime.
It has been found; however, the best years for implants to be installed are 15 years of age for girls and 17 for boys. This time frame allows for the bone growth process to almost be at its peak. Implants done any younger than this must be carefully watched by a dental professional, but they should not be ruled out completely. Your dentist will know when and if dental implants are the right choice for your child. He will advise you if they are the best choice versus a temporary retainer or braces.
Trust his or her decision and advice and above all, don't panic. Dental implants in children are more common than you would ever imagine. They are safe, functional and will bring an enhancement, as well as new-found acceptance of self, to both you and your child.
by Abraham Avotina
Showing posts with label poor oral health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poor oral health. Show all posts
Warning Signs of Poor Oral Health in Children
Wednesday, July 31, 2013 0 comments
Every child deserves to experience pain-free oral health. To avoid uncomfortable and costly oral conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease, parents can work with their family dentist in Shoreline or their local area. Through dedicated teamwork, children can receive regular assessments that signal the possibility of poor oral health, and can learn the proper way to take care of teeth from the time they are very young.
As much of the oral care goes on at home, parents can arm themselves with information. When you know what to look for, you give your child a better chance of experiencing excellent oral health as he or she grows. Here, we will look at some conditions that may occur in the young mouth.
Decay of Baby Teeth - It is possible that baby teeth may become decayed, or may even be missing or require extraction. These initial teeth are necessary for proper development, as they serve as a guide for permanent teeth. Should one or more be lost before its time, permanent teeth lose their guide and may come in poorly positioned.
Nursing Bottle Syndrome is one way that baby teeth may become extensively decayed. This condition is also called nursing caries, or bottle caries, and develops from prolonged intake of any sugar-containing liquid through the bottle. This includes breast milk and baby formula, as well as fruit juice or any sweetened beverage. To avoid decay from bottle caries, parents can give him or her a pacifier at bedtime, rather than a bottle. Regular visits to your dentist in Shoreline or your local area will allow you to stay on top of any cavities that may be forming so treatment may be administered early.
As children grow into eating solid foods, choosing those that are naturally sweetened will help them avoid tooth decay. Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy, like apples, pears, cucumbers, and celery, are especially good because they rub against teeth and gums during chewing, and remove some of the bacteria that can hide and feed on leftovers. Children should also be taught to clean their teeth after meals, and to drink plenty of water. This small habit, as well as chewing sugar-free gum after meals, wash away bacteria and protect teeth from decay.
There is also a link between a child's oral health and that of his or her parents. This is not due to heredity, but bacteria. Parents and children will share kisses, food, utensils, and other treats. During these loving acts, bacteria can spread from one to another. Therefore, maintaining your own oral health through brushing, flossing, and regular dental examinations helps both you and your children.
by Jean Taylor
As much of the oral care goes on at home, parents can arm themselves with information. When you know what to look for, you give your child a better chance of experiencing excellent oral health as he or she grows. Here, we will look at some conditions that may occur in the young mouth.
Decay of Baby Teeth - It is possible that baby teeth may become decayed, or may even be missing or require extraction. These initial teeth are necessary for proper development, as they serve as a guide for permanent teeth. Should one or more be lost before its time, permanent teeth lose their guide and may come in poorly positioned.
Nursing Bottle Syndrome is one way that baby teeth may become extensively decayed. This condition is also called nursing caries, or bottle caries, and develops from prolonged intake of any sugar-containing liquid through the bottle. This includes breast milk and baby formula, as well as fruit juice or any sweetened beverage. To avoid decay from bottle caries, parents can give him or her a pacifier at bedtime, rather than a bottle. Regular visits to your dentist in Shoreline or your local area will allow you to stay on top of any cavities that may be forming so treatment may be administered early.
As children grow into eating solid foods, choosing those that are naturally sweetened will help them avoid tooth decay. Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy, like apples, pears, cucumbers, and celery, are especially good because they rub against teeth and gums during chewing, and remove some of the bacteria that can hide and feed on leftovers. Children should also be taught to clean their teeth after meals, and to drink plenty of water. This small habit, as well as chewing sugar-free gum after meals, wash away bacteria and protect teeth from decay.
There is also a link between a child's oral health and that of his or her parents. This is not due to heredity, but bacteria. Parents and children will share kisses, food, utensils, and other treats. During these loving acts, bacteria can spread from one to another. Therefore, maintaining your own oral health through brushing, flossing, and regular dental examinations helps both you and your children.
by Jean Taylor
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