Braces in Children & Their Different Types

It is common to see children nowadays with braces. Some kids can't wait to get it at the earliest, while parents themselves often feel that their children may require them for reasons as varied as misaligned teeth, or for an aesthetic look.

Regardless of the reasons for wanting them, there is a clear purpose to getting your child's teeth fitted with braces, and why it should be done at a particular age. 

Below are a few details on them and their purpose;

WHY BRACES

MISALIGNED TEETH

Children may need braces for any one of the following reasons;

* Overlapping, overcrowded or crocked teeth, also called as 'bad bite' or malocclusion. Malocculsion occurs whenever the upper and lower jaws have a major difference in size, where the upper is bigger than lower (called an overbite) or lower bigger than upper (called an underbite)

* Tooth decay, accidents and thumb sucking habits

* Inherited misalignment

Not all parents realize when braces have to be put, and it is often the pediatric dentist who can advise during routine checkups if braces are required. Depending on severity of the problem and the child's age, he or she will be further advised to meet with an orthodontist to get braces fitted out as per the requirement.

TYPES OF BRACES

Braces work by correcting teeth alignment, putting pressure on developing teeth to move into a particular position. This is best done during the growth period of a child, since the jaw and muscles are still malleable. There are different kinds of braces, and the doctor decides what is apt for the child based on the lifestyle and age.

1. Wire and rubber bands - Braces like these have been used for teeth alignment since years. These traditional braces have bands or steel ties holding wires between teeth brackets

2. Damon braces - These braces do not have steel/rubber ties but brackets hold the braces in place

3. Clear braces- These braces are clear/transparent and can hold themselves in place like a mouthguard

These braces either can be inserted temporarily, wherein removable braces can be removed and cleaned as and when required. These provide gentle pressure to the teeth.

Other times, teeth are very misaligned, and therefore need to be guided more accurately. This is when fixed braces are inserted. They cannot be removed and inserted as and when one likes. These are the bracket and band braces which are stuck to the teeth, with a flexible wire joining the brackets and allowing the teeth to move.

Functional braces on the other hand, use the movement of the jaw to align the teeth, and are are fitted only in certain conditions.

Braces are made from all types of materials' metal, ceramic and even medical grade plastic.

To know whether your child really needs to be fitted with one, bring him to us at the earliest. Dr.Premila will be able to assess the teeth, and decide the plan of treatment accordingly.

To book an appointment, please visit http://www.smallbites.in/

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.

Process of Dental Caries in Children

All of us are well aware of what teeth decay actually looks like, how it manifests itself, the physical changes and the causes for it. Not many know the process of decay, and how early intervention can stop and even reverse the deterioration of teeth.

Everyone is susceptible to tooth decay. While adults can prevent it or look after their teeth better, children cannot do the same. It is left up to us parents to ensure we know the stages of caries and how we can intervene at the right time, with the right methods and prevent further damage from taking place.

Dental caries in children unfolds over a prolonged period of time. Below is the process by which this happens,

·        

•       The mouth is a cavity that is exposed to germs all day, everyday. Bacteria grow in the gut and help in the process of digestion, with the process beginning in the oral cavity. Bacteria also enter the oral cavity with food. The breakdown of food causes the formation of plaques, sticky whitish deposits that collect around the gum line, grooved surfaces of teeth and edges of fillings. Plaque allowed to collect for a prolonged period of time, hardens into 'tartar'.
•       Plaque also uses the remnants of food in the mouth to produce 'acids'. Some foods like beverages and meat are already acidic and affect the teeth.
•       Acid attacks the outer layer of teeth, the enamel and dentine, and erodes them gradually over a period of time. Gradually a small hole or cavity begins to appear on the surface of the tooth or the enamel. This stage is usually painful.
•       Once holes are formed in the enamel or outer lining of the teeth, it becomes easier for plaque and bacteria to reach the dentine (layer just below the enamel). Dentine is usually softer and gets eroded faster. 
•       If treatment doesn't begin at this stage, the bacteria reach the tooth pulp, where nerves are exposed to them, resulting in a excessive pain.
•            When bacteria infect the tissue within the pulp and this isn't treated, it leads to the formation of a dental abscess.

It is often seen that tooth decay typically occurs with molars and pre-molars, large back teeth used for grinding, which have irregular surfaces, making it easier for food to stick and cause infection. These are also unreachable and not cleaned regularly.

Tooth decay in children, can manifest in any number of ways;

•      Breakage of teeth
•      Toothache or pain    
•      Infection of nerve or pulp
•      Death of nerve and numbness 
•      Swelling of face
•      Vomiting, headache and other general symptoms

It is important to remember that dental intervention in children, can save them from pain and many other future problems. It can also help save their milk teeth, in turn ensuring that their permanent teeth grow properly and giving them good oral health for life.

A pediatric dentist not just treats caries once they have begun, but also looks for signs and symptoms of impending tooth damage in children. Beginning a child's dental check-up as early as age 1, can go a long way to ensure that our children don't suffer as much as we do.

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.