Common Dental Emergencies and their Management - TOOTHACHE

Dental emergencies are more frequent than you can imagine. No parent likes to see their child in pain, and the earlier it is dealt with, the sooner is the problem identified, treated and better recovery.

Below are some of the most common dental emergencies and how they can be treated;

TOOTHACHE

Toothache is the commonest dental problem that kids face. It is experienced by children of all ages, and almost always has a specific cause that may or may not have gone unnoticed. Common causes of toothache include decay, fractures, trauma and eruption of wisdom teeth ( in adolescence).

What you can do?

CLEAN MOUTH

• ·         Cleanse or gargle with warm water first. Don't apply anything, keep warm cloth over the affected tooth or adjacent gum area.
•       Check if food has become impacted anywhere in between the teeth. Remove it as gently as possible using a clean finger, toothbrush or dental floss.

CONTROL SWELLING AND PAIN

• In case of localized swelling, apply a cold compress over the affected area. Ice cubes can also be wrapped in cloth and placed over it. This reduces swelling temporarily.
• Avoid giving any kind of medication to children at this stage without doctor's advice

VISIT A DENTIST

• ·         In case of prolonged pain that doesn't subside or swelling that doesn't relieve, it indicates a deeper dental problem that needs a dentist to look into. 
•       If the toothache is a result of an injury or fall on the face or jaw, details given to the doctor can help in the right treatment.

FOLLOW UP

• ·         The paediatric dentist will examine the child's teeth to understand the cause of pain & its origin. She will check for any decay, fracture, grinding and will treat accordingly.

·         In case of swelling or localized tenderness, it might be indicative of infection. This will need medication as per the stage of the problem.

·         In case of teeth grinding or bruxism, mouth guards may be advised (dependent on the child's age)

Toothache in children must never be ignored, because it often indicates the start of the problem or a stage at which the right treatment can reverse the deterioration process.

If you aren't sure about the cause or need a specialist to look into it, reach out to Dr.Premila of Small Bites Dental Clinic at the earliest.

Introducing Brushing in Autistic Children

Oral health in children is a very important aspect that must never be neglected. Children are not equipped to perform this complex task, and parents therefore step in to perform it till the child reaches an age when he can do it himself. While it can be difficult for any child to get used to the process of brushing and oral hygiene, it is particularly distressing and challenging for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum encompasses a wide variety of neurodevelopmental conditions, characterized by difficulty in communication, socializing and interaction across multiple contexts. It is also accompanied by repetitive behavioral patterns, impaired functions in certain cases with heightened skills in others.

Given the nature of this condition and the fact that autism is often detected within the first year of birth, it becomes essential to handle these kids, and their special needs using a softer, more considerate approach. Autistic children are hypersensitive, do not allow anyone to touch their mouths, are oftentimes unresponsive and also non co-operative. Brushing and other oral tasks when introduced gently will enable them do their tasks themselves.

Below are a few tips that will make it easier to introduce brushing to autistic children-

• To begin with, choose the right kind of toothbrush. Since there are many sizes, colors and styles, it is important to choose a brush that is just the right size for the mouth, and also one in a color that the child will love.
• Since the children experience heightened sensitivity which makes them uncomfortable, it helps to touch the brush to the child's lips or inside of the mouth for a few days to desensitize them.
• Giving the same instructions repeatedly, such as 'open mouth wide', 'show your teeth', ensures they get used to the them as a daily practice.
• It also helps when parents set an example. Brushing, gargling and flossing can become a shared activity which the child will come to learn and love.
• Brushing the teeth of an autistic child works when there are a repetitive set of procedures to follow. This will familiarize them as well as help them open up to the ritual over time.

Below are a set of steps that can be followed for brushing the child's teeth;

1. Stand behind the child with their head resting on the front of your chest

2. Put a small pea sized amount of paste on the brush

3. Use the brush as you would on your own teeth

4. Follow this 6 step procedure for brushing

- Brush the bottom back teeth inside, out and top 5 times

- Brush the top teeth inside and out 5 times

- Brush bottom front teeth inside, out and top 5 times

- Move to the opposite teeth and brush bottom teeth inside and out 5 times

- Brush the top front teeth inside and out 5 times

- Brush the top back teeth inside  and out 5 times

5. Although brushing is normally done in the bathroom, it is advisable to brush the teeth of autistic children wherever they seem comfortable. It could be either on a couch or on their bed and gradually progressed into the bathroom.

Just as with every other activity, getting the child to look after their teeth independently is the ultimate goal of a parent. When it comes to autistic kids, it needs a little more effort and attention.

Do read our next blog to understand how to ensure how teeth brushing can be made a regular task in such children.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Children's Teeth

Toothbrushes are one of the most important tools in dental hygiene, and yet they are often taken for granted. While adults choose toothbrushes based on ease of use and other fancier requirements - dual bristles or unusual shape, with children we often buy what we assume is best for them in terms of their looks.

Toothbrushes have come a long way - from 'chew sticks with frayed edges', still used in rural areas, to those crafted with bone or wood. Nylon bristled plastic toothbrushes, as we see them today, were only introduced in the 1930's.

Why Brush?

Toothbrush plays an important role in a child's oral health. Brushing removes accumulated food, plaque found between teeth and even the yellowish stain on them (a sticky film of bacteria). If plaque is left untouched, it leads to tartar formation or whitish deposits between teeth. When this tartar hardens, brushing becomes difficult, leading to gum tissue swelling or bleed. This is when periodontal or gum disease actually begins.

Which is the best toothbrush to choose for your child's teeth?

The toothbrush market is bursting with them in various sizes, colors and shapes. It is often difficult to choose which is the perfect one. Below are a few pointers about what you can look out for;

·        

•       Soft Bristled - Children have small teeth, and their gums are sensitive. Soft bristles help remove plaque and food from the gum line, as well as are gentle on gums. It is better to choose toothbrushes that have a rounded end or are polished. 
•       Comfort matters - It doesn't matter what toothbrush you choose for your child's teeth, it must be comfortable. Long toothbrushes can cause injuries and short ones may not reach certain areas of the mouth. The only criteria you should look for, is whether the brush fits their mouth and reaches the back of it as well.

•       Regular or Powered Toothbrushes - Electric powered toothbrushes are very popular abroad, but haven't yet caught the fancy of Indians in a big way. While powered have been thought to clean teeth better, regular ones are just as good, safer and also cost-effective.

Age specific brush use;

1. Babies and Toddlers - Using a damp cloth or gauze, rubbed gently in circular motions is sufficient to clean baby's teeth. Toothbrushes are available for babies, which are small and convenient. Beginning their use early, makes the child get used to the ritual and removes accumulation of milk and food.

By 2 years of age, toddlers are eager to brush themselves, and longer toothbrushes with small heads and soft grips can keep them busy with their teeth.

2. Five to Eight - At this age, the child shows his readiness to brush independently. The toothbrushes although similar to adult ones, are still small with large handles. Manual and powered are often available for pre-adolescent children.

Buying the right toothbrush for your child's teeth, isn't where it all begins and ends. For clean and healthy teeth, brushing must be done twice a day, after breakfast and before bed at night. Flossing must be done whenever possible, to remove food accumulated between teeth. When toothbrush bristles fray or after a period of three months - whichever earlier - new toothbrushes have to replace the old ones. Brushes for kids are to be replaced more frequently than that of adults.

It is always important to involve your child when buying toothbrush for themselves, so that they grow to love the entire process of cleaning their teeth lifelong.