Children's preventive programme and care
It is vital that children’s teeth are carefully looked after. With improved techniques and behavioural management, most children now enjoy their trips to the dentist. With the emphasis being firmly on prevention (oral health care, oral disease screening) and with the help of the hygienist, more time is spent on education than treatment. Children are shown how to properly care for their teeth and mouths at an early age with lessons on how to brush their teeth and gums, clean between their teeth, how to use disclosing techniques (shows up plaque on the teeth which contains cavity and gum disease forming bacteria,) advice is given on the use of mouthwashes, fluoride and other adjuncts to good oral health care. Diet is extremely important in the development of dental decay. Dietary advice is routinely given and the dentist or hygienist may ask patients to complete a diet diary to list any food and drinks taken in during the course of the day thus helping to identify any danger foods and more importantly the danger times.
If children do need treatment, then clinical techniques have improved enormously in the last few years. Time is spent with the child patient aiming to make their visits as easy and comfortable as possible. Of course, with early diagnosis, treatment is easier and more tooth is retained for longer. Careful management of the developing dentition when the “adult teeth” come in is critical and the help and advice of the orthodontist is often called upon to ensure that the permanent teeth come in straight.
