What Is Pedodontics and Why Is It Vital for Children's Oral Health?
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Let us first define pedodontics. Paedodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry that focuses on the care and management of children's teeth. It treats patients from birth to adolescence and is also known as paediatric dentistry. Its objective is twofold: to care for children's teeth while also educating patients about proper dental hygiene and maintenance for their young children.
Paediatric dentistry's success is based on early oral examinations, which can lead to the early detection of dental problems, preventing major and long-term damage to children's teeth. A pedodontic clinic is required for oral examinations.
Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
MDS in Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry is a three-year postgraduate degree programme that requires a BDS from a recognised college or institute.
Pedodontic Dentistry
Pedodontics is a dental speciality that deals with the care of children's teeth. It is also spelt as pedodontics. The pedodontist is basically concerned with the prevention, which includes instruction in a proper diet, fluoride use, and oral hygiene practices. The pedodontist's routine practise focuses on caries (tooth decay), but it also includes influencing tooth alignment. To correct early abnormalities in tooth position, lengthy treatment may be required. Braces or other types of correctional devices may be used.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
Pediatric dentists perform a variety of important functions related to a child's overall oral health and hygiene. They place a special emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are important in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.
Other important functions include:
Education – Pediatric dentists educate children using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, emphasising the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. They also counsel parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, healthy eating habits, and other aspects of household hygiene.
Monitoring Growth – Pediatric dentists can anticipate dental issues and intervene quickly before they worsen by continuously tracking growth and development. Working toward earlier corrective treatment also helps to maintain the child's self-esteem and promotes a more positive self-image.
Prevention – Helping parents, as well as children, establish sound eating and oral care habits
Pedodontic Treatment
It is strongly advised in pedodontic treatment that all young children be examined by a paediatric dentist from an early age. The first step in treatment is the patient's first dental checkup. As a general rule, young children should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, or by the time the child is one year old. These early visits inform parents of whether they're properly cleaning their child's teeth at home.
Following the initial visit, regular checkups every six months should be scheduled. Patients will have routine teeth cleaning and dental exams during these regular checkups. A fluoride treatment may also be administered by the dentist on a regular basis to protect against tooth decay caused by sugars and bacteria.
In the course of paedodontic treatment, the dentist may need to perform several procedures, including the few procedures listed below:
Fillings – This entails removing any decayed or damaged tooth structure. After that, the hole is filled with metal, plastic, or other filling materials. The procedure keeps the decay from worsening and spreading further into the tooth.
Extractions – Tooth extractions are done when a tooth is severely damaged or infected, or when a child's teeth are overcrowded.
Dental Crowns – Dental crowns may also be required for young children to restore badly damaged teeth. The procedure begins with the removal of caries or cavities and the reduction of the size of the tooth to accommodate the crown.
Root Canals – Root canals are typically used to treat decayed or infected teeth, as well as injuries that result in tooth loss.
Dental X-rays – Dental x-rays are a standard part of a routine dental exam. Dentists can use x-rays to detect bone damage, tooth decay, impacted teeth, and dental injuries, among other potentially serious issues.
Sealants – Once children start getting their molars, dentists may recommend the use of sealants which generally protect the surface of the teeth from wear as well as tear.
Paedodontic treatment may also include oral as well as maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics in some cases. Orthodontics, for example, is most commonly performed during a child's adolescent years because this is the best time to ensure that the teeth and jawbones are properly aligned. Orthodontic treatment can assist teenagers in avoiding many potential tooth problems as they enter adulthood.
Possible Risks and Complications
Since patients who undergo paedodontic treatment are generally adolescent, this branch of dentistry involves some special risks. For one thing, many young patients are afraid of undergoing dental treatments, which can make even simple procedures difficult. As a result, paediatric dentists are educated and must have the patience and determination to treat all young patients, including those with difficult cases.
The use of dental anaesthesia is another source of concern for young patients undergoing dental procedures. Anaesthesia, according to studies, carries some unavoidable risks, including:
Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic agent
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Dental procedures themselves also come with several risks, including:
Severe pain (or pain that is unbearable to the child )
Severe bleeding
Fever
FAQs on Pedodontics Explained: A Student’s Guide
1. What is the meaning of paedodontics?
Paedodontics, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and dental care of children from infancy through their teenage years. It covers the comprehensive prevention and treatment of dental problems in children, including those with special health care needs.
2. What is a dentist who specialises in children's teeth called?
A dentist who specialises in the dental care of children is called a Pedodontist or a Pediatric Dentist. They undergo an additional two to three years of specialised training after dental school to learn how to manage the unique dental and behavioural needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
3. Why is it important for children to see a specialised pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist?
It is important because pediatric dentists have specific expertise in a child's dental development. They are trained to handle the behavioural aspects of children, manage dental anxiety, and use equipment specially designed for smaller mouths. Their focus on preventive care from a young age helps establish a foundation for lifelong oral health, addressing issues unique to developing teeth and jaws that a general dentist may not specialise in.
4. What are the common procedures performed in pedodontics?
Pediatric dentists perform a wide range of procedures tailored for children. Some of the most common ones include:
- Preventive Care: Dental cleanings (prophylaxis), fluoride treatments, and the application of dental sealants to prevent cavities.
- Restorative Procedures: Treating cavities with tooth-coloured fillings or placing stainless steel crowns on badly decayed primary teeth.
- Diagnostic Services: Using dental X-rays (radiographs) to monitor tooth development and detect hidden decay.
- Interceptive Orthodontics: Early assessment and treatment to guide jaw growth and correct bite problems.
- Emergency Care: Managing dental injuries such as fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth.
5. How does a pedodontist manage a child's dental anxiety and fear?
Pedodontists use several specialised techniques to create a positive and comfortable experience. This includes using a friendly, encouraging communication style (the Tell-Show-Do method), designing their clinics with child-friendly decor, and using distraction techniques like movies or games. For highly anxious children, they are trained in various levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to ensure procedures are completed safely and without trauma.
6. At what age should a child have their first dental visit?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a child should have their first dental visit when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for assessing oral development, identifying any early risks for cavities, and educating parents on proper oral hygiene for their infant.
7. How does the treatment of baby teeth (deciduous teeth) differ from that of permanent teeth?
Treatment differs because baby teeth have thinner enamel, larger pulp chambers, and act as space maintainers for permanent teeth. Therefore, decay can progress much faster. A pedodontist might use a stainless steel crown to save a heavily decayed baby tooth, preserving the space for the adult tooth to erupt correctly. In contrast, treatments for permanent teeth are focused on long-term preservation of the tooth structure itself.
8. What is the connection between a child's oral health and their overall well-being?
A child's oral health is directly linked to their overall well-being. Untreated dental problems like cavities can cause significant pain, leading to difficulties in eating, speaking, and sleeping. This can affect their nutrition, growth, and performance in school. Furthermore, oral infections can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, highlighting the importance of pediatric dental care as an integral part of a child's general health.
