Kate Scheer considers the challenges of treating children.
Ensuring that young children move into adulthood with a healthy set of teeth is imperative, not just for their health but for their confidence too. It is widely-accepted that an attractive smile is a useful asset for navigating employment and relationships. However, young patients may struggle to recognise the importance of their oral health; as such, clinicians and parents/guardians must work together to engage and educate them.
Clinicians may regularly encounter challenges when treating young patients, requiring a tailored approach to care to ensure their needs are met. Many obstacles that are faced by dental professionals can be overcome with suitable planning and the right tools at hand.
Things to consider
A new study by University College London has found that children are eating triple the recommended amount of sugar in the UK. A biennial survey conducted by the National Dental Epidemiology Programme also found that between 2018 to 2019 just under a quarter of five-year olds had tooth decay. According to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, tooth decay results in at least 60,000 missed school days a year for hospital extractions. For all healthcare professionals, the phenomenon of poor paediatric oral health, while well known, continues to alarm.
Not only must the clinician educate the young patient, but more often than not their parents or guardians, too. When looking at the recent statistics around childhood oral health, there are clear implications that many children have poor diets and eating habits which will only get worse in the current economic climate, with poverty levels rising. This is a tricky situation for dental professionals, as there are many factors at play that are out of their control. Studies have associated lower parent education levels with higher risks of early childhood caries (ECC); oral health behaviours in parents, such as tooth brushing habits and the frequency of the consumption of sweet foods, may also encourage these behaviours in their children.
Education continues to be a powerful tool that can aid parents, caregivers and guardians on how to not only care for their family’s oral health, but their own also.
Treating young patients
Treating children can be challenging, whether through the patient fidgeting or becoming anxious and distressed. Children who have conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may also struggle during dental appointments. A study found that children with ASD display more uncooperative behaviour during dental cleanings, compared to children without the condition. Similarly, another study found that there are clear inequalities in oral health and dental care access for children with additional support needs (ASN), including intellectual disabilities (ID) or ASD.
It can be more difficult to thoroughly access and assess the mouths of children who struggle to remain still in the chair. For instance, mechanical plaque removal procedures may not be entirely effective if regularly interrupted due to the child being unable to sit still. Additionally, working with a small oral cavity means your movements are restricted, and the performance of your instruments may be limited too.
The dental team must work together in order to optimise the experience for all paediatric patients. From the receptionist to the dental nurse, a collaborate effort will ensure that young patients, and especially those who struggle with dental visits, are able to stay calm and receive adequate dental care. When the patient is in the dental chair, employing distraction techniques may be useful. If feasible, the dental nurse can talk to the patient and keep their attention occupied. Removing certain tools from view may also be effective in reducing unease.
Working swiftly is perhaps the most efficient way to ensure young patients receive adequate care, without becoming too agitated or distracted. Of course, this requires clinical skill and tools that facilitate rapid treatment without reducing performance. Clinicians should consider using tools that allow easy access to restricted oral cavities, provide an optimal view and are easy to handle. Instruments that offer a quiet operation will also help young patients to relax during treatment.
Improve the dental experience
For an improved treatment experience for both the patient and the clinician, consider the Synea Vision range of handpieces from W&H. These innovative solutions have been designed for maximum precision and performance. With optimised head sizes, quiet operation and exceptional LED illumination, this versatile range is ideal for patients with limited mouth opening. The award-winning Synea Vision TK-94 L turbine with its micro head and single LED+ illumination is the ideal solution when treating young patients as it allows more working space in the oral cavity.
Children may be notorious for their lack of cooperation, but all clinicians can agree that their oral health must be maintained and managed for a life free from oral complications which may also cause other medical issues. With the right approach, collaboration from the dental team and suitable instruments, clinicians can help improve the dental experience for their young patients.
For more information call 01727 874990, email office.uk@wh.com or visit www.wh.com/en_uk
References available on request.