Pediatric Dentistry
What is paediatric dentistry ?
Paediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the examination and management of dental health in children. Paediatric dentists will guide children through their dental growth and development utilizing their training from infant oral health exams to space management after the premature loss of a primary tooth.
Dental procedures are generally perceived as intimidating and painful experiences that most would like to avoid, especially among children. However, it is vital that children have their milk teeth checked regularly by paediatric dentists for evidence of caries and tooth decay.
Some of the conditions most likely to be seen by paediatric dentists include:
- Teething problems
- Dental carries and tooth decay
- Malocclusion or misaligned teeth
What types of treatments do paediatric dentists provide?
Paediatric dentists provide oral health care that includes the following:
- Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child.
- Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments.
- Habit counselling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking)
- Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics)
- Repair of tooth cavities or defects
- Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced or knocked-out teeth)