Dental Hygiene for Autistic Children - A Mother's Perspective

Article excerpts from www.friendshipcircle.org

Autistic children can be difficult to handle. At the core of their behavior lies severe anxiety to face new and unknown situations, and exposure to new people.

While parents are often able to manage a majority of the tasks and develop a sense of familiarity, it is when meeting care providers such as a pediatric dentist or pediatrician that their behavior is severely tested.

Below is a detailed account of a mother, who has been there and done that. Although she started her 5 year old on dental visits only when he turned 5, it is important to begin this as early as possible (at age 1) to ensure familiarity and comfort with the dentist are developed at a very early age.

I waited until my son was 5 years old before I attempted to take him to a dentist’s office.

Between his oral defensiveness and severe anxiety, I couldn’t figure out how to make it work before then.  The only reason I made that appointment was my concern over an adult tooth that erupted at an unusual angle with the baby tooth still on top of it.

The Screamer

My son was the kid who screamed uncontrollably every time he entered anything that looked like a doctor’s office.  My son was the kid who wouldn’t let me look inside his mouth when he was teething or when he had injuries.  I used to seize the opportunity to try to get a brief glimpse at his teeth whenever he was laughing at a joke or in the middle of a tantrum.  Brushing his teeth was challenging at best, and there was no way he would rinse and spit.

Eventually my husband and I were able to reduce our son’s oral sensitivity enough so that we could take care of his teeth, and we approached his anxiety from several angles to make that first visit to the dentist a success.

Here’s how we managed our son’s dental hygiene:

Establish a daily ritual

1. Be Creative

The National Institutes of Health have a guide for caregivers emphasizing the importance of creativity and a daily oral hygiene routine – and those were the keys to my family’s success.  Finger toothbrushes for infants only encouraged my son to bite my finger.  Instead, I offered him a clean, wet washcloth to chew on for a few minutes in the morning and before bedtime.  I helped him move the washcloth around his mouth so that all of his teeth were scrubbed.  Then I offered water to drink, since he didn’t know how to rinse and spit yet.

2. Brush Together

The next step was to allow my son to chew on a child-size toothbrush while I brushed my own teeth.
This desensitized him to the toothbrush’s texture while I modeled appropriate dental hygiene for him.  Sometimes it’s necessary to try several different types of brushes, such as a spin brush.  After many months, when he was accustomed to the texture, I added non-fluoride toddler toothpaste to his toothbrush so that he would get used to the idea of flavoring on the brush.

3. Don’t Miss A Day

It was important to continue with the brushing ritual every morning and evening – if I accidentally skipped one morning, my son would be uncooperative the next time I tried to clean his teeth!

4. Slow Transitions Are Better

A few years later, my son was allowing me to brush his teeth and he had finally learned to rinse and spit.  Then we switched him to fluoridated toothpaste, because the flavor is milder than adult toothpaste.

Know the causes of tooth decay

In recent years, medical studies have documented a clear connection between oral health and overall physical health.  Tooth decay is now considered a preventable infectious disease.  The bacteria that cause tooth decay are typically transferred from one person’s saliva to another person’s mouth.  Sugary foods feed the bacteria and promote decay.

Many children with special needs may continue to bottle-feed until they are 4 or 5 years old because of delays in oral-motor skills, which is another risk factor for tooth decay.

5. Prevent Cavities

To reduce the risk of cavities, I gave my son a drink of water after his bottles and made sure his teeth were brushed immediately before bedtime.

Find a dentist who has experience with special needs

6. Referrals From Families

The best way to find a dentist is to ask for a referral from other families or find those within the community who have managed dental needs of autistic kids.

Dr. Premila of Small Bites Dental Clinic has prior experience in managing such children. The office staff too have been trained to handle them. 

7. Accessible and Sensory Friendly

Not all dental offices are equipped for special needs, some offices have a harsh sensory environment.  At Small Bites, the environment and decor has been designed to incorporate play, and children are exposed to imagery and activities that helps them get more relaxed. You can check with the office staff about our experience with children of unique needs.

Get friendly with the dentist’s office

8. Make practice visits

Consider visiting the dentist’s office several times before attempting any type of examination.  One time I had my husband bring our son in to see me get my exam and cleaning.

9. Make a Social Story

Ricki Robinson, author of Autism Solutions, suggests taking photos of the equipment, staff and waiting room – then using those photos to make a storybook about going to the dentist.

10. Prepare With Books

I got a bunch of books about the dentist from the library for my son.  The only books that interested him were those that had photos of actual dentists’ offices, not cartoons or drawings.  He liked clear, concise narratives that showed him exactly what to expect.  He also liked simple, scientific explanations about the importance of oral hygiene.

11. Divide & Conquer

Keep in mind that most dentists can bill your visit in three separate parts: cleaning, exam and x-ray.  If a child becomes anxious during the cleaning, you can reschedule the exam and x-ray for a different day.  Or you can schedule each of the three parts on different days.

12. Bring Their Favorite Toy/Blanket/Object

Ruby Gelman, DMD, advises in the book 1001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys, “If your child has an object that he particularly loves (a music player or a clock, for example), bring one with you to the dental visit so that the dentist can incorporate that into the appointment.”  Familiarity with the dentist not only reduces anxiety during the visit, but it also increases compliance with dental hygiene at home.

What If Nothing Works?

On top of the increased risk for tooth decay, individuals with special needs often have damaging oral habits such as grinding teeth, picking or biting inside the mouth and tongue thrusting.  The dentist then consults with the child's pediatrician and parents to suggest the next best course of action.

Success

The last time I took my son to the dentist, he confidently went into the exam room without me.  Afterwards he couldn’t wait to show his dad how clean and shiny his teeth were.  I could hardly believe this was the same child who used to protest so vehemently every time I tried to touch – or even just look at- his mouth. 

Repetition, desensitization, persistence and familiarity helped him learn a new life skill. 

For specific questions on the services we provide especially for special needs individuals, reach out to SMALL BITES DENTAL CLINIC at 08041256715.

Dental Hygiene for Autistic Children - A Mother's Perspective

Article excerpts from www.friendshipcircle.org

Autistic children can be difficult to handle. At the core of their behavior lies severe anxiety to face new and unknown situations, and exposure to new people.

While parents are often able to manage a majority of the tasks and develop a sense of familiarity, it is when meeting care providers such as a pediatric dentist or pediatrician that their behavior is severely tested.

Below is a detailed account of a mother, who has been there and done that. Although she started her 5 year old on dental visits only when he turned 5, it is important to begin this as early as possible (at age 1) to ensure familiarity and comfort with the dentist are developed at a very early age.

I waited until my son was 5 years old before I attempted to take him to a dentist’s office.

Between his oral defensiveness and severe anxiety, I couldn’t figure out how to make it work before then.  The only reason I made that appointment was my concern over an adult tooth that erupted at an unusual angle with the baby tooth still on top of it.

The Screamer

My son was the kid who screamed uncontrollably every time he entered anything that looked like a doctor’s office.  My son was the kid who wouldn’t let me look inside his mouth when he was teething or when he had injuries.  I used to seize the opportunity to try to get a brief glimpse at his teeth whenever he was laughing at a joke or in the middle of a tantrum.  Brushing his teeth was challenging at best, and there was no way he would rinse and spit.

Eventually my husband and I were able to reduce our son’s oral sensitivity enough so that we could take care of his teeth, and we approached his anxiety from several angles to make that first visit to the dentist a success.

Here’s how we managed our son’s dental hygiene:

Establish a daily ritual

1. Be Creative

The National Institutes of Health have a guide for caregivers emphasizing the importance of creativity and a daily oral hygiene routine – and those were the keys to my family’s success.  Finger toothbrushes for infants only encouraged my son to bite my finger.  Instead, I offered him a clean, wet washcloth to chew on for a few minutes in the morning and before bedtime.  I helped him move the washcloth around his mouth so that all of his teeth were scrubbed.  Then I offered water to drink, since he didn’t know how to rinse and spit yet.

2. Brush Together

The next step was to allow my son to chew on a child-size toothbrush while I brushed my own teeth. 
This desensitized him to the toothbrush’s texture while I modeled appropriate dental hygiene for him.  Sometimes it’s necessary to try several different types of brushes, such as a spin brush.  After many months, when he was accustomed to the texture, I added non-fluoride toddler toothpaste to his toothbrush so that he would get used to the idea of flavoring on the brush.

3. Don’t Miss A Day

It was important to continue with the brushing ritual every morning and evening – if I accidentally skipped one morning, my son would be uncooperative the next time I tried to clean his teeth!

4. Slow Transitions Are Better

A few years later, my son was allowing me to brush his teeth and he had finally learned to rinse and spit.  Then we switched him to fluoridated toothpaste, because the flavor is milder than adult toothpaste.

Know the causes of tooth decay

In recent years, medical studies have documented a clear connection between oral health and overall physical health.  Tooth decay is now considered a preventable infectious disease.  The bacteria that cause tooth decay are typically transferred from one person’s saliva to another person’s mouth.  Sugary foods feed the bacteria and promote decay.

Many children with special needs may continue to bottle-feed until they are 4 or 5 years old because of delays in oral-motor skills, which is another risk factor for tooth decay.

5. Prevent Cavities

To reduce the risk of cavities, I gave my son a drink of water after his bottles and made sure his teeth were brushed immediately before bedtime.

Find a dentist who has experience with special needs

6. Referrals From Families

The best way to find a dentist is to ask for a referral from other families or find those within the community who have managed dental needs of autistic kids.

Dr. Premila of Small Bites Dental Clinic has prior experience in managing such children. The office staff too have been trained to handle them. 

7. Accessible and Sensory Friendly

Not all dental offices are equipped for special needs, some offices have a harsh sensory environment.  At Small Bites, the environment and decor has been designed to incorporate play, and children are exposed to imagery and activities that helps them get more relaxed. You can check with the office staff about our experience with children of unique needs.

Get friendly with the dentist’s office

8. Make practice visits

Consider visiting the dentist’s office several times before attempting any type of examination.  One time I had my husband bring our son in to see me get my exam and cleaning.

9. Make a Social Story

Ricki Robinson, author of Autism Solutions, suggests taking photos of the equipment, staff and waiting room – then using those photos to make a storybook about going to the dentist.

10. Prepare With Books

I got a bunch of books about the dentist from the library for my son.  The only books that interested him were those that had photos of actual dentists’ offices, not cartoons or drawings.  He liked clear, concise narratives that showed him exactly what to expect.  He also liked simple, scientific explanations about the importance of oral hygiene.

11. Divide & Conquer

Keep in mind that most dentists can bill your visit in three separate parts: cleaning, exam and x-ray.  If a child becomes anxious during the cleaning, you can reschedule the exam and x-ray for a different day.  Or you can schedule each of the three parts on different days.

12. Bring Their Favorite Toy/Blanket/Object

Ruby Gelman, DMD, advises in the book 1001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys, “If your child has an object that he particularly loves (a music player or a clock, for example), bring one with you to the dental visit so that the dentist can incorporate that into the appointment.”  Familiarity with the dentist not only reduces anxiety during the visit, but it also increases compliance with dental hygiene at home.

What If Nothing Works?

On top of the increased risk for tooth decay, individuals with special needs often have damaging oral habits such as grinding teeth, picking or biting inside the mouth and tongue thrusting.  The dentist then consults with the child's pediatrician and parents to suggest the next best course of action.

Success

The last time I took my son to the dentist, he confidently went into the exam room without me.  Afterwards he couldn’t wait to show his dad how clean and shiny his teeth were.  I could hardly believe this was the same child who used to protest so vehemently every time I tried to touch – or even just look at- his mouth. 

Repetition, desensitization, persistence and familiarity helped him learn a new life skill. 

For specific questions on the services we provide especially for special needs individuals, reach out to SMALL BITES DENTAL CLINIC at 08041256715.

5 Books That Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

The high backed chairs, plenty of equipment, unfamiliar space and a doctor poking around inside your mouth....this can be so very intimidating for most of us adults. Imagine what it can do to our kids?

Visiting a pediatric dentist for the first time is a new experience for little ones. They don't know what is being done, and despite parents being there, can resist the experience of a new person handling them from such close quarters.

It is very important for parents, and for us doctors to make them familiar with a few things before their first visit or during subsequent ones. While we take care of them inside the clinic, using the most gentlest way to handle their fears, as parents what you can do, is make the entire process less stressful for them.

Books we have found, are one of the ways to make things more relatable. When a child understands how his teeth work, what is happening in his mouth, through pictures and illustrations, he knows what to expect. It is also a great way to communicate to kids in their own language.

Here are 10 children books, for different ages that explain about dental health, pediatric dentist visit and some of the procedures in ways that will make them understand, relate and reduce stress.

1. Dentist (First Time)

Author, Illustrator: Jess Stockham

Age Group: 2+

First time at a dentist's can be a very nerve wracking experience. This book is part of a series of 'First Time' which rather than telling a story, shows different children experiencing treatment, and the general interaction with a dentist. There is a waiting room, a scene which shows teeth being counted, a look at the equipment, step by step on how a child undergoes dental fillings.

The text is conversational, brightly illustrated, helps children see different situations, and understand procedures.

2. Harry and the Dinosaurs say 'Rahhhh'

Author: Ian Whybrow

Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds

Age Group: 3+

Harry and all his dinosaurs have a dental appointment and everyone is nervous - especially T-Rex who has many teeth. With Harry's reassurances and a special button that makes him grow big, T-Rex lets Dr.Drake examine his teeth.

The illustrations are simple, funny and text easily understandable. It will help relieve the anxiety of this important life lesson for the little ones.

3. Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)

Author: Lady Bird

Age Group: 3+

Peppa, George and Mr. Dinosaur visit the dentist to get their teeth checked. Although George is nervous, he does get through the procedure while having fun in the process. The story is one among a series revolving around Peppa and her family, and the challenges they face. 

The book has very relatable characters, great illustrations and a simple explanation, which helps kids connect. Since the characters are also favorites among kids, it makes it easier to connect with them.

4. Open Wide

Author, Illustrator: Laurie Keller

Age Group: 3+

32 students (8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars and 12 molars) are taken through a class on how to care for teeth through questions and quizzes. Mr.Flossman, their teacher, peppers their classes with fun facts, and plenty of questions on tooth care.

The book has wonderfully vivid illustrations, is hilarious full of interesting facts and connects all the different procedures that happen during a checkup.

5. How Many Teeth?

Author: Paul Showers

Illustrator: True Kelley

Age Group: 3+

One of the oldest books (30 years), teaching kids about taking care of their teeth, the books starts from the basics, explaining to kids the number of teeth they have, what happens when baby teeth fall off and big teeth come in. The book relates their growth to the fall of the teeth.

Illustrations are older but very familiar with our childhood, text simpler and the book is very engaging. The relation of teeth with growth is simple and easily explained.

Books are the best way to teach kids about life. When it comes to their teeth, there is no better thing than books to make them relate to what their teeth go through. 

Do let us know if there are any other books related to dental health in kids that you may know of. It will help us and other parents add more to their list.

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.

Diwali and Dental Caries - Here's What To Expect

It is time for Diwali, the season of celebration that starts now and lasts till the end of the year. This festival is also all about fun, frolic and most definitely food. It is difficult to imagine celebrations without food, without elaborate mithais prepared for friends and family, ladoos and jalebis enjoyed by the family, and children rushing about with sweets stuffed in their mouth.

As much as this whole scenario conjures up happiness and fun, there is a lot to deal with once the festivities are up, and the most important being BAD TEETH and oral problems.

Sweets and delicacies are unavoidable, and so are the after-effects of gorging on them; bad teeth, bad oral odour, and with children, the first signs of caries and gum trouble. 

As much as we love snacking on food throughout Diwali and thereafter, there are little unwelcome visitors snacking on the food collected in our and the kid’s mouth, that if left untreated or not looked after, can cause a whole host of problems, many of which are already known.

• Plaque and Caries - Sugary foods cause tooth decay. Period. Whether you give your child something mildly sweet or chocolates and desserts loaded with sugar, they will cause harm in the mouth and eventually caries. Another important factor, is the frequency at which they are eaten.

Eating foods of different kinds, almost always causes something to remain in the mouth, debris that gets accumulated between teeth and gums. Bacteria present in the mouth, feed on all these foods. In the case of sweet stuff, these bacteria feed on the carbohydrates in sugar, especially refined sugars in desserts to produce acids, which combine with saliva to form plaque. The plaque deposits itself on the teeth over a period of time, causing erosion of the tooth and caries.

• Bad Odor – Infrequent brushing and rinsing of teeth, causes the accumulated food build-up to cause an additional set of problems. Bad odour from the mouth is one such. Acid build-up in the mouth due to remaining food, tends to cause further damage to the teeth, leading to bad breath. The tongue is also a storage of bacteria and contributes to it.

• Dry Mouth – The more you eat, the more saliva is produced, yet consequently, the more sugars you consume, makes that saliva get used up quickly and causes dry mouth and bad breath. Dry mouth can result in frequent gum irritation, pain, inflammation and difficulty in swallowing.
  

As much as the harm that sweets can do during this time, Diwali is really incomplete without indulging in them. You really can’t stop the children from eating what they like. Here are a few practices to follow during this festive period;

• Brush the children’s teeth twice daily, even more frequently if required. No matter how long the day is, how tired and sleepy they are, never put them to bed without cleaning their mouth and brushing their teeth. This will help them in the long run by also enforcing a good habit.
  
  
  
  

• Avoid kids indulging in frequent snacking, in between meals. This helps reduce food accumulation in the mouth, and also lowers the exposure to sugar. Let them eat whatever they like, but in one sitting at one time.

• Drink juices, milk and other liquids with a straw. Sweetened liquids remain longer on children’s teeth than solids. Using straws will limit their contact with teeth, and also make it easier to get rid of them when brushing.

• Ensure they drink a glass of water after having sweets, or rinse their mouth every time they do. This can loosen up any accumulated food particles and prevent further damage.

• Enjoy sweets and sugary foods during a meal, rather than before or after it. Indulging in juices or snacks throughout the day, is giving bacteria a fertile ground to grow and flourish. But letting children have sweets together with their meals, ensures that the other foods prevent these sugars from sticking to the teeth and remaining in the mouth.

• Reduce rewarding good behavior with a sweet treat. Occasional snacking on sweets is fine, but keeping children busy with such foods for distraction, or as reward for a good job, sends across a wrong message. This not just harms their behavior, but teeth as well.

• Brush, rinse, clean and ensure nothing remains in the mouth. This cannot be emphasized enough. Brushing all areas of the teeth, especially the ones at the back and the molars, cleaning the tongue and flossing the mouth whenever possible, ensures that the festivities don’t leave children with harmful, long-lasting effects.

Children can and must enjoy Diwali, indulge themselves with sweets, but it is left up to us as parents to ensure their teeth and dental health don't take a hit because of this.

Fillings for baby teeth

Maybe you have just found out that your child has one or more cavities in their baby teeth?

It is normal for parents to have concerns and questions. 

In this blog, we hope to give some answers and reassurance about fillings for baby teeth.


Children can develop tooth decay soon after their baby teeth come through. Prolonged bottle feeding with sweetened drinks, or frequently falling asleep with a bottle of milk or whilst nursing are the most common causes of decay in babies. Cavities usually do not cause pain in the early stages and young children may be reluctant to open wide to let their parents see or brush their teeth. So, it can come as a surprise to find out that your child has a cavity at a young age. 

Why should we fill baby teeth, won't they fall out later anyway?




Baby teeth are important for normal eating and speech development. A healthy smile is also beneficial for a child's self-esteem once they reach school age. 





Once a cavity has formed it usually progresses resulting in pain and infection. If an abscess on a baby tooth is not properly treated the infection can spread to and affect the developing adult tooth underneath.



Baby teeth also maintain the spaces for permanent teeth to erupt into. Although front baby teeth can start to fall out from around 6 years old, the back teeth need to last until around 12 years old. If baby teeth are lost too early other teeth may tilt or drift into the vacant space, forcing the adult teeth to come through crooked. 

If my child has a cavity what are the treatment options?

Fillings

If the decay is in the enamel or dentine layer only (not close to the nerve of the tooth) the decay can be removed and a filling placed in the cavity. 

Basic procedure:

• Smaller cavities in baby teeth can often be cleaned without using local anaesthetic. If the cavity is deep or the tooth is particularly sensitive, a small injection may be required to numb the tooth. For more information, see this blog post: Questions about local anaesthetic
• The decay is removed and the cavity is washed. There will be some mild vibrations and noise at this stage. A suction tip is used to remove water from the mouth, or your child may spit out when required. 
• The clean cavity is dried by blowing air onto it and then the filling is placed.

At Small Bites, we keep up to date with the latest filling materials and techniques. The two most commonly used filling materials for children’s teeth are:

Glass Ionomer Cement  

• Bonds directly to the tooth surface and so helps prevents leakage around the edge of the filling.
• Releases fluoride which can help prevent further decay.
• It is relatively quick and easy to place and is therefore popular for use with young children where cooperation for treatment is sometimes difficult.
• It  is quite brittle and prone to wear and so it is usually used in areas which are not under a lot of pressure from chewing.
• Reinforced Glass Ionomers have recently been developed which can be used in higher stress areas, such as the biting surfaces of the teeth.
• Glass Ionomer is white in colour but, unlike composite, it does not come in various shades to match the teeth more accurately. It also available in other bright colours for use in back teeth, if children prefer this.

Composite filling

• Composite fillings come in many shades which match and blend in well with the tooth. Therefore, it may be advised for front teeth where appearance is important.
• Composite is stronger and more wear resistant then glass ionomer.

• A blue etching gel, used to prepare the cavity surface, is painted onto the cavity surface and washed off after about 30 seconds. 
• A bonding agent painted onto the cavity surfaces. This adheres the filling material to the tooth.
• Next, the filling is placed in the cavity.
• A blue light is often used to give faster setting of the filling.
• The filling procedure takes a bit longer than for glass ionomer.

Your dentist will check the filling, and polish it, if required. Please follow instructions for looking after your teeth following treatment. It is usually advisable to wait half an hour before eating and drinking and to avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods on the same day. 

Pulpectomy

If the decay has started to affect the area containing the nerve of the tooth (the pulp), a pulpectomy is often required. For more information, see this link: Pulpectomy - Root canal treatment for baby teeth

Crowns

Teeth which are too broken down to adequately hold a filling or which have undergone pulpectomy usually require a crown to strengthen the tooth. This will be covered in a future post.

At Small Bites, the exclusive dental care centre for children in Bangalore, we have plenty of experience with young children and work to put them (and their parents!) at ease. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.



Don't forget to read our other posts for advice on preventing dental decay:

It's Never to Early to Start Preventing Tooth Decay
What Causes Dental Cavities?
Top Toothbrushing Tips