What are the cheapest dental treatments for children?
Although dental health is often associated with tooth decay and related issues, tooth decay is not the only condition affecting the oral area in children. The oral cavity is the most diverse region in the human body in terms of microorganisms, and a healthy mouth maintains a balance among these microorganisms. However, when this balance is disrupted or when foreign microorganisms are introduced, diseases can develop. The type of damage caused by these disease-causing microorganisms can vary depending on their type.
The treatment of these damages can be both financially and emotionally challenging, as the costs of treatment and the stress experienced by the child before and during treatment can be significant. Additionally, regardless of how expensive or successful a treatment is, the disease will recur if the underlying causes are not addressed.
Families often return to the pediatric dentist with complaints of fillings falling out, even after a period following the initial treatment. Often, what is described as a fallen filling is actually the result of inadequate nutrition and oral hygiene, causing the tooth and filling to start decaying again. This situation leads to increased dental visits and, consequently, rising treatment costs for the family.
The cheapest treatment is to visit a pediatric dentist before diseases develop, identify the child-specific risk factors, and adjust living conditions to prevent disease formation. Additionally, regular check-ups and the implementation of preventive treatments recommended by your specialist can avoid the need for more expensive and challenging treatments later on.
However, many families believe that all children will experience tooth decay or orthodontic issues and only seek treatment when symptoms appear. It is important to remember that no disease is inevitable and that simple preventive measures can avoid these issues.
Decay is not fate
Orthodontic issues detected early are both cheaper and easier to treat. While some orthodontic problems may be hereditary, many can be easily treated if identified early, such as issues related to the transition to adult swallowing behavior or respiratory problems that hinder breathing at night. Such problems are often diagnosed during routine check-ups.
Additionally, children participating in contact sports can benefit from mouthguards, which can prevent injuries to their teeth and mouth during the sport. For children with a more protruding upper jaw, mouthguards can help protect the mouth and jaw from trauma until orthodontic treatment begins.
Children and adolescents often experience anxieties and concerns that adults may overlook, leading to frequent teeth grinding during the day or night. An early diagnosis by a pediatric dentist during routine examinations is crucial. Early detection of this issue can prevent problems such as damage to the jaw joint, headaches in adulthood, faster erosion of the jawbone, and limited mouth opening.
Other issues mentioned can also be diagnosed during routine check-ups and prevented with protective measures.
For any questions or examinations, we are here to assist you.
Prof. Dr. Ayça Tuba Ulusoy
Pediatric Dentist Specialist
Yummy Teeth Children & Youth
Oral and Dental Health Clinic