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 Middletown, NY
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 Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Parents play a crucial role in their children's tooth care by ensuring their children get started on the right path to optimal dental health. This involves overseeing children's tooth care at home while also helping them develop healthy dental habits and ensuring they see a pediatric dentist regularly.Parents will need to keep their child's mouth…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Children have a great deal of growing and changing to do before they come into their adult smile, which often means parents fail to consider cosmetic dentistry for children as an option. However, cosmetic dental services can make a big difference for kids at this vulnerable age, when they may be prone to bullying and…
The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and breath fresh will also protect their teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, cavities are common in children. However, good cleaning habits and consistency in an oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here…
An emergency pediatric dentist can resolve your child’s smile issues. Pain is the most significant sign your child needs emergency dental care. A quick response is important to give your child relief. Here are the quick treatments from your emergency pediatric dentist to restore your child’s smile.A chewing incident or a bad fall can cause…