Plaque is a common pediatric dentistry issue. Brushing and flossing daily can help remove some of the plaque. Yet, without routine pediatric dentistry checkups, plaque will keep replenishing its layers. This can lead to serious dental issues for your child. If you want to know the possible outcome of unscaled plaque, here are the details.
This sticky, translucent coating that does not stop forming on and in between the child’s teeth is dental plaque. It is a thin film of harmful bacteria. Plaque often collects along, above, and below the gumline. It will harden over time and transform into tartar or calculus.
After every snack or meal, bacteria in plaque feed. Then, these microorganisms excrete acids to weaken the enamel of the child’s teeth. The longer the food particles stay on the teeth, the more the bacteria feed. This results in more acids bombarding the enamel. As acid attacks repeat every day, the enamel weakens. Then, the formation of cavities starts.
The accumulation of tartar below the gumline can cause gum tissue inflammation. This can lead to pediatric dentistry problems like gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). Continuous plaque collection can lead to the structural damage of teeth, gums, and jawbone. It may also result in general health complications.
Untouched plaque hardens. It tends to affect multiple teeth. This connecting line of dental calculus is the calculus bridge. Such an accumulation cannot strip off with regular brushing or flossing. The parent should bring the child to the dentist for pediatric dentistry treatment. At the clinic, the pediatric dentist has a scaler for scraping off the calculus bridge and plaque.
Plaque removal is an important pediatric dentistry procedure. Failure to remove plaque leads to gingivitis or the inflammation of the gums. The first sign of this condition is bleeding when flossing or brushing. This can lead to periodontitis if it does not get treatment.
Plaque accumulation can lead to halitosis or bad breath. Bacteria live in plaque. As these organisms feed, food particles break down. Even if the child brushes or flosses, food particles still stay as part of plaque and calculus. The foul odor comes from the buildup of plaque and tartar.
Tartar is a hardened substance. It stays on the teeth. Tartar blocks the toothbrush from touching the teeth. This results in the weakening of the enamel. The openings created by tartar allow acid and bacteria to seep into the tooth. This results in cavity formation.
Plaque must have a pediatric dentistry treatment. If the child’s teeth do not get regular deep cleanings from the pediatric dentist, the plaque becomes tartar. More bacteria penetrate the child’s teeth. Over time, the tooth deteriorates. It will need pediatric dentistry treatment such as dental extraction.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Reston, VA
Children should have good dental health. Primary and permanent teeth should always go through routine pediatric dentistry checks. Healthy teeth always lead to a healthy body. An appointment with your pediatric dentist will help make your child’s dental and general health optimal.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
If your child needs dental help, a kid friendly dentist is a good choice. This professional has the knowledge and training to handle preventive maintenance and restorative care for your son or daughter. The dentist can assist with a wide variety of issues, including the most serious issues that may arise. From the time your…
Pediatric dental X-rays enable pediatric dentists to keep an eye on the oral health of their young patients. Dentists can use periodic X-rays to catch dental problems in their earliest stages. They can also use X-rays to confirm and ensure that children’s jaws are developing as they should. This brief FAQ covers the most common…
Pediatric dentistry services help children learn healthy dental habits and practices that allow them to avoid oral health concerns and keep a great smile for decades. This review focuses on the educational services that pediatric dentists offer.Pediatric dentistry focuses on preventing cavities and other oral health concerns and developing healthy dental habits at a young…
Orthodontics aims to straighten teeth and address a variety of issues that can develop as a result of poor teeth or jaw alignment. Issues that can be treated with orthodontic devices include spaces between teeth, crossbites, and crooked teeth.Orthodontics can also be used as preventative dentistry because it can be used to fix issues with…
Orthodontics can help address issues with your bite and provide a variety of benefits, like improved oral hygiene, improved speech, and an improved smile. Orthodontics works best when patients are around the ages of 9 to 14. At this point, the jaw and facial structures are still developing, but most of the permanent teeth should…