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 Richmond, TX
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 Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Visiting a pediatric dentistry office with your child ensures his or her future relationship with oral hygiene and dentists, in general. Whenever your child suffers from oral injuries, consider making an appointment with your pediatric dentist to uncover any underlying problems. For instance, injuries to the tongue and teeth could indicate a deeper jaw or…
Fluoridated water is part of pediatric dentistry. It is a convenient and easy way to strengthen and protect teeth at an early age. Many areas have fluoridated water, which is a definite advantage. If you want to know why a dentist will likely recommend fluoridated water, here are the details.Studies show that almost all sources…
Nutrition is an important part of pediatric dentistry. Having balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals can strengthen and protect the teeth. Proper nutrients also fuel dental function. If you want to know how important nutrition is for your child’s oral health, here are the details from a pediatric dentistry professional.Children are still developing. They need…
Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque…
Children brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day are important oral hygiene basics, but…
Tooth decay happens when the enamel, or tooth surface, is damaged. You can use oral…
In order to maintain your child's healthy teeth and gums, you should follow the oral…
Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are the cornerstone of children’s braces treatment.
It is common for children to need fillings, but it is also reasonable for parents…
