PEDODONTICS (Child Dental Care)

Pediatric Dentistry (formerly Pedodontics) is that branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children’s dental problems from infancy to young adulthood, that is, 0 to 13 years of age. 

To begin with, a Pedodontist’s principal concern is prevention, which ranges from the education of oral hygiene to the use of fluorides, and instructions in the maintenance of a proper diet. Basically, the routine practice of a pedodontist involves dealing with caries (tooth decay) but influencing tooth alignment is also a part of it. Abnormalities in tooth position at just the inception stage are required to be corrected employing certain lengthy treatments calmly and with gentle care. Braces or few other correctional devices may be incorporated.

Pediatric dentists not only should promote the dental health of children, but serve as educational resources for parents at the same time. This then lays the foundation of trust and a friendly bond between the dentist and the patient. Patience and basic knowledge of children’s behavioral patterns are key for a Pedodontist.

Few points that parents need to be mindful of with regards to Brushing for Children:

• Use of a toothbrush should be started only after the appearance of the first rear teeth. Before this, a soft cloth could be used to just wipe the teeth after breakfast and before going to bed.
• Parent supervision during brushing is quite essential initially in school-age children. The method and placement of the toothbrush need to be explained properly, to be placed on the spot where teeth and gums meet, at a 45-degree angle, and then with light back and forth movements the chewing surfaces should be brushed.
• Soft any nylon-bristled toothbrushes are advised for children and as soon as they start wearing out (3 months on an average), they should be replaced immediately.
•  The amount  of toothpaste applied should be the size of a pea, not forgetting that an effective brushing process is imperative than the choice of toothpaste.
• Last but not least, a three-minute brushing session, once in the morning and once before sleep is sufficient. Just as any other good childhood habits, the habit of brushing should also be inculcated early on.