Pediatric dentistry is a branch of
dentistry that promotes oral health in children of all ages and is also
referred to as specialised children's dentistry. Pediatric dentists do not simply
work as general dentists on children: they have an extra two to three years of
specialised training on top of dental school. Such training allows them to deal
with the peculiarities of the children in the dental setting when it comes to
behavioural control strategies, developmental growing problems, and treating
dental conditions specific to the growing teeth and jaws of the child. They
also have offices that are friendly to the children so that they can have a
good and comfortable experience.
Indications:
● Early Childhood Caries (Cavities):
Young children are prone to being attacked by a particular decay, which is
usually brought about by bottle feeding sugary drinks or extended use of
pacifiers. A pediatric dentist is a doctor specialising in treating such holes
using a very soft, child-oriented approach.
● Thumb Sucking and Pacifier habits: Using a thumb or pacifier after a particular age can cause the teeth to be misaligned, and change the jaws. A child may stop such habits by using the advice and treatment provided by a pediatric dentist.
Indications:
● Monitoring growth and development:
As a child matures, a pediatric dentist follows the process of erupting
permanent teeth, positioning the jaw, and spacing. They can interfere early
with easy treatments to avoid uncomplicated orthodontic issues in the future.
● Trauma or Dental Accidents: Accidents and falls are common
among kids, thus damaging their teeth. A dentist specialising in children is
taught to respond to a dental situation caused by a cracked, chipped, or lost tooth
calmly and reassuringly.
Consequences:
● Foundation: Early and Positive
Dental Experience: A positive early exposure to dentists and positive dental
experiences develops the conditions towards lifetime toothbrushing. Regular
visits to a pediatric dentist will also improve the chances of children investing
in good dental health when they grow up.
● Cavity Prevention: A pediatric
dentist uses preventive treatments such as fluoride applications and sealing to
avoid cavities. They also employ their skills in detecting and treating
developmental problems early, thus eliminating the need to carry out cumbersome
therapies later in life.
● Good Personality about Dentistry: Pediatric dentists also
build a positive attitude towards dentistry by not intimidating the children
but making them feel happy about their experience. This creates a good rapport
with dentistry that would last a lifetime.