Paediatric Dentistry

Paediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry dealing with children from birth through adolescence. Paediatric dentists promote the dental health of children as well as serve as educational resources for parents. It is recommended by the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that a dental visit occurs after the presence of the first tooth or by a child first birthday. The AAPD has said that it is important to establish a comprehensive and accessible ongoing relationship between the dentist and patient – referring to this as the patients dental home. This is because early oral examination aids in the detection of the early stages of tooth decay. Early detection is essential to maintain oral health, modify aberrant habits, and treat as needed and as simply as possible. Additionally, parents are given a program of preventive home care (brushing, flossing and fluorides), a caries risk assessment, information on finger, thumb, and pacifier habits, and may include advice on preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth of children, diet counselling, and information on growth and development. Pediatric Dentist Treatment Options Types of Pediatric Dental Procedures Kids come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their dental needs. That is why paediatric dentistry includes a wide range of treatments: • Cleanings and preventive care. A checkup with a paediatric dentist every six months is the best. It is a chance for your childs teeth to have a professional cleaning. Plus, they get to review their own dental hygiene skills. It also allows the dentist to keep a watchful eye on the oral health of the child. This is important because identifying problems early allows to be treated when it is easier and more affordable to do so. • Fluoride. Fluoride treatments help strengthen teeth. They can prevent cavities and discourage the build up of tartar and plaque. • Fillings. If tooth decay or injury damages a tooth, a filling can restore its stability and function. • Sealants. Thin layers of resin-based material, sealants are bonded to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They protect hard-to-clean areas of the teeth from decay. In fact, they can cut the risk of cavities by up to 80%. • Bonding. Bonding is a quick, easy way to fix teeth that are crooked, chipped or discoloured. During the procedure, the dentist sculpts a white resin directly onto the tooth to repair the flaw. • Extractions. When a tooth is too severely damaged to repair, an extraction may be necessary to remove it and may be followed by space maintainer when required. • Crowns. Crowns are steel or porcelain caps that replace the outer portion of the tooth. They are used when a damaged tooth is not strong enough to hold together with just a filling. A crown can restore both the look and function of the tooth. • Space Maintainer: Premature loss of tooth/teeth requires to preserve the empty area so that the permanent tooth can erupt properly.