Studies show that 4 in 10 children fear dental visits, often due to the dentist’s drill, injections, and fear of choking on instruments. While dental fillings are basic and typically cause minimal discomfort for most, children might need more time to recover, especially if it is their first procedure.
Providing extra aftercare is crucial for kids. ToothFairy Dental Clinic is one of the specialized dental clinics in Bangkok especially meant for children and families, which offers a full range of dental services like kid’s tooth filling (อุดฟันน้ำนม, this is the term in Thai), baby teeth extraction, flossing and fluoride enamel, etc.
Often children are scared to visit dental clinics, where dentists take special efforts tohelp you to prepare your child for a procedure.The following after care tips can be helpful for your child to undergo dental procedure smoothly.
1. Considering how the child is feeling
The dentist uses a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth for the filling treatment, lasting one to three hours. Parents should check if the numbness has faded before allowing eating or drinking to prevent mouth injuries.
Mild pain may follow, managed by prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Pain from the treated tooth fades in one to two weeks. A different bite sensation is normal; ask the child about it, as adjustments might be needed.
2. Stopping bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is common among kids, often unknowingly. This habit wears down teeth surfaces and can damage fillings. A mouth guard can prevent harm to the fillings and protect neighbouring healthy teeth.
3. Keeping up with daily oral hygiene
Dental fillings for kids prevent cavities from worsening. Daily cleaning is crucial: proper brushing and flossing keep bacteria and plaque away. After the appointment, help your child brush gently to preserve the filling.
Brushing for two minutes twice daily and flossing before bed should be routine. Supervise brushing, especially the back teeth, and ensure gentle brushing to protect the fillings. Careful flossing is also important to avoid dislodging the fillings.
4. Modifying the child’s diet
Monitoring family food and drink choices is crucial to prevent cavities. Limit sugary beverages and sticky candies, encouraging the child to rinse or brush after treats to avoid plaque buildup.
To protect the treated tooth after the anaesthetic fades, offer soft foods like:
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce.
Avoid staining, sugary, and acidic drinks, and rinse after consuming them. Steer clear of chewy, sticky foods, and serve room-temperature items to prevent sensitivity.
How are fillings placed inside your child’s teeth?
Before filling cavities, kids can acclimate to the dental clinic, where the doctor allows them to explore and sit in a chair briefly. If this does not calm the child, then they use oral sedation or laughing gasduring kid’s tooth filling (อุดฟันเด็ก, this is the term in the Thai).
An aesthetic numbs the area around the tooth, making it easy to remove decay and place the filling. A special blue light then hardens the filling in seconds. Additional adjustments are made if the child feels the tooth is not shaped correctly or has trouble biting.