Children’s or Pediatric Periodontics
Rockwall & Paris, Texas
Periodontal treatment is most commonly associated with adults, but there are situations in which children may need specialized care for problems affecting their gums or supporting oral tissues. While significant bone loss and advanced periodontal disease are uncommon in children, certain conditions may require treatment from a periodontist. For example, children with thin or receding gum tissue may benefit from a gum grafting procedure. In some cases, adjustments to the bone or soft tissue may also be recommended as part of orthodontic treatment.
At Northeast Texas Periodontal Specialists, we provide children with attentive, gentle care designed to keep them as comfortable as possible. During your child’s initial examination, you are welcome to remain in the room while we perform our evaluation. We will explain our findings and any recommended treatment options in a clear, reassuring manner and answer any questions you or your child may have.
Sedation options may also be available for children who need additional help remaining relaxed and comfortable during a periodontal procedure. When appropriate, sedation may be provided by a specially trained dental anesthesiologist.
Dr. Hodges and our entire team are committed to the health and well-being of every patient we treat. Although children do not commonly require periodontal treatment, we are here to provide specialized care when it is needed. To learn more about our approach to children’s periodontics, please refer to the information below. To schedule an appointment for your child, contact our Rockwall office at (972) 771-8640 or our Paris office at (903) 785-4832.
Oral Hygiene
Why It is So Important
One of the most important services we provide our patients is education on the importance of good oral hygiene habits. Establishing these habits at an early age is essential to avoid developing issues later in life and enjoying good oral health. The following are four critical reasons why we encourage parents to teach their children the importance of good oral hygiene habits:
- Health of their adult teeth: Compared to adult teeth, baby teeth are much smaller and have a thinner layer of enamel, which increases the risk of cavities and decay developing. Because adult teeth rest behind baby teeth, any health issues that impact your child’s baby teeth may also damage their adult teeth.
- Alignment of their adult teeth: Baby teeth that are lost too early will result in less room for the permanent tooth to grow, which can result in improper alignment and crooked teeth later in life.
- Development of speech patterns: Poor speech patterns can develop early when baby teeth are not properly aligned and can persist through adulthood.
- Self-Esteem: Having strong, healthy teeth and a bright white smile plays a critical role in the development of your child’s self-esteem. Dental pain or having dental issues can make children feel embarrassed, angry, or anxious about their smile, which can inhibit your child’s ability to create important friendships, develop confidence, and be well-adjusted.
Frenectomy
For Newborns and Children
If your child’s frenulum is too tight, thick, or short, tongue-tie (also known as ankyloglossia) issues can develop. There are several different issues that may develop as a result of the tongue’s range of motion being restricted. Among newborns, the most significant issue is difficulty nursing. If your newborn is not able to keep their tongue over their lower gum, they will be unable to properly suckle at the nipple and will instead chew, which can be very uncomfortable for the mother, to the point where nursing may be avoided entirely.
Common signs of frenum-related issues among newborns and children include:
- Speech issues
- Difficulty eating
- Discomfort, pain, or restriction in the tongue area
- Difficulty moving tongue side-to-side
- Difficulty lifting tongue up to upper teeth
- Difficulty pushing tongue past lower front teeth
Braces and Other
Orthodontic Treatments Options
While most everyone has either had or knows someone who had braces during their adolescent years, there are other orthodontic devices that may be effective in helping your child that are less well known, including the following:
- Palatal Expanders: A custom-made pediatric orthodontic device used to correct issues such as crowding, impacted teeth, and crossbite. The expander pushes the halves of the jaw apart while preserving the bone to broaden the top jaw. Once the proper expansion has occurred (normally within three to six months), the expander will remain mounted for several additional months so bone in the gap of the palate can develop properly.
- Nance Button: Used for children who shed baby teeth too early, this partial acrylic plate is fixed around the rear teeth using two metal bands and is designed to prevent adult molars from moving too far forward. The Nance can either be removable or cemented in place depending on your child’s unique needs. A removable Nance is generally used if possible, as doing so allows your child to engage with more games and sporting activities.
- Lower Lingual Holding Arch: This orthodontic device is similar to the Nance in that it also prevents adult teeth from progressing too quickly following the shedding of a baby tooth; however, the lower lingual holding arch is attached to the bottom teeth with metal bands bound to the back molars, and a U-shaped bar that joins these bands is placed behind the fully grown molars. Because the arch is not connected to any soft tissue, moderate soreness can occur, though unlike the Nance Button, there is little chance of contamination occurring.
To determine if your child requires braces or any of the aforementioned orthodontic tools, we will conduct a thorough examination to ensure their adult teeth grow in strong and healthy. We will also consult with your child’s dentist or orthodontist to ensure the best care is provided for your child.
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