Baby tooth pulpitis is not a rare disease in young children. Because children's teeth and mouth are easily attacked by bacteria, it can lead to inflammation, cavities, and even harm to the pulp. So what should be done to treat pulpitis in baby teeth for children? Parents can learn more about it through the following article.

What is baby tooth pulpitis?

Baby teeth pulpitis is a pathological condition that occurs in young children when there is inflammation of the pulp tissue of baby teeth, which increases the pressure inside the pulp and compresses the nerve causing pain. baby teeth pulpitis usually stems from causes such as tooth decay or tooth trauma.

Tooth decay in baby teeth can even progress at a faster rate than permanent teeth. The first sign of baby teeth pulpitis is a white spot on the surface of the enamel. If left untreated, tooth decay will continue to damage the enamel layer, gradually reaching the dentin layer at a faster rate, and continue to spread.

How to treat baby tooth pulpitis?

Currently, there are two common methods to treat baby tooth pulpitis: pulp removal or tooth extraction. Depending on the severity of inflammation, age, and oral health of the child, each method is suitable for different situations:

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is recommended for children in two cases of pulpitis:

The tooth is severely broken causing infection, pus, and has spread to the bone.

X-ray results show that a permanent tooth will grow within the next 6 months.

It should be considered carefully when choosing this method because early tooth extraction will create gaps, resulting in tooth displacement and spacing. Eating may be difficult, affecting digestion and the growth of permanent teeth in the future.

Pulp Removal

This is the most popular method to treat pulpitis in children. The pulp plays an essential role in transmitting sensation and providing nutrients to the tooth. Once the pulp is severely damaged, it cannot be restored and must be removed.

The procedure for removing baby tooth pulp consists of 5 medically standard steps:

• Step 1: General examination and X-ray imaging.
• Step 2: Oral cavity cleaning and anesthesia.
• Step 3: Place a rubber dam to prevent chemicals from entering the digestive tract during the pulpitis treatment.
• Step 4: Open the pulp chamber and remove the dead pulp.
• Step 5: Fill and seal the pulp canal.

>> See more: When should children have baby teeth removed?

Is it dangerous to extract baby tooth pulp in young children?

Teeth are sensitive and particularly in the pulp, there are nerves and blood vessels, so parents cannot avoid worrying that taking out the pulp of baby teeth will affect the child's body. However, experts have confirmed that treating baby teeth pulp will heal the child's tooth damage while the child remains completely healthy and can eat normally.

In addition, the dentist will provide local anesthesia in the area of the tooth to be treated so the child will not feel pain during the pulp removal process. Depending on each case, the doctor may also prescribe local anesthetics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs to make the child's recovery after the pulp removal as gentle as possible.

How to care for baby teeth to keep the dental pulp healthy

To avoid the need for treating baby teeth with pulp therapy, it is crucial to take good care of them. Parents should supervise and guide their children on how to maintain oral hygiene daily, such as:

Brushing teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush every day

Rinsing mouth after every meal

Avoiding snacks before bedtime

Limiting sugary food and carbonated drinks

Moreover, parents should bring their children to the dental clinic for regular check-ups to promptly detect any issues that their baby teeth may be facing. Then, the dentist can provide timely solutions to prevent the need for pulp therapy.

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