Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases seen in children. Studies show that the overall prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth is 46.2% worldwide. When parents overlook their children’s oral care and dental appointments, it can lead to the development of untreated cavities in their little ones. Leaving cavities untreated causes pain, loss of baby teeth, trouble with eating and chewing as well as issues with the child’s verbal communication.
As the decay progresses, it spreads more quickly through the dentin (the middle layer just beneath the enamel) and reaches the pulp or the nerve (innermost layer). When this happens, your little one will show multiple symptoms including pain especially at night, inability to sleep or eat properly and in general moodiness. To curb the spread of the decay and save their tooth, pediatric dentists in Dubai recommend root canals for milk teeth as a great treatment option.
Understanding root canal for milk teeth
Many parents hear about root canal therapy for the first time when their kid’s dentists recommend it as the best option for retaining their little one’s decayed tooth. The procedure is safe and effective for children and is generally recommended when the patient’s dental pulp or tooth nerve is infected or damaged.
During root canal treatment, your child’s pediatric dentist will create a small opening in the crown to access the pulp using a small drill and remove the infected pulp completely. Once the pulp is cleared out, a filling material is used to close the tooth. The dentist will then cover the tooth using a zirconia crown or a stainless steel crown. The tooth that is restored after a root canal is enclosed in a dental crown to keep it from breaking after the root canal treatment and protect it from a new cavity .
When does your child require a root canal? Here are 5 signs to look out for:
When your child’s tooth is badly affected by caries, it causes the following symptoms-
- Toothache
Toothache is probably the first symptom that tells you that your little one is having dental trouble. If your child complains about toothache especially at night, it is better to schedule an immediate appointment with your pediatric dental clinic and go in for a checkup. Catching infections early on makes it easier to retain your kid’s milk tooth and ensure that it stays in place until it’s time to fall off.
- Tooth Sensitivity
Unlike a toothache, tooth sensitivity in children may not be easily noticeable at first. Most children develop tooth sensitivity to sweets or to hot and cold foods or acidic foods such as citrus fruits. In case your child complains of tooth sensitivity, do not hesitate to call the dental clinic for an appointment.
- Difficulty with biting
As the tooth enamel does not have any nerve endings, decay on the surface of the teeth may not cause much pain or discomfort. In some cases where the decay progresses past the enamel and reaches deeper into the dentin or pulp, your little one may have difficulty with eating and will experience sharp pains when they bite on their favorite foods. If your little one shows difficulty with biting and eating, or if they start preferring soft food and can’t eat hard food like vegetables etc, always suspect a cavity and visit your kid’s pediatric dentist in Dubai.
- Gum inflammation
Red, tender and swollen gums are a telltale sign of an infection. The appearance of swelling on your little one’s gums could be an early symptom of an infected root canal or nerve. In some other cases, you may also notice pus coming out of the gum inside their mouth. These are indications of a severe infection affecting their teeth. Take your child for a dental checkup immediately to get it treated in time.
- Fever
Fever is another symptom of an infection that needs to be taken seriously. Even dental infection if left untreated can cause fever and elevated temperatures in children. If your child has fever, it’s advised that you visit your pediatrician for a diagnosis and treatment.
What’s next?
A root canal treatment can save your child’s tooth from bacterial infection and inflammation. Remember that your little one’s primary teeth are just as important as his or her permanent teeth and require care, attention, and treatments to keep them strong and healthy.
To book your appointment with Dr. Yasmin, one of the best pediatric dentists in Dubai, visit our website today.