Pedodontics / Kids Dentistry

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Pedodontics

Pedodontics/Pediatric Dentistry is a branch of Dentistry which looks after the comprehensive oral health needs of children from birth till adolescence. Teething in humans starts when they are as young as 6 months old and develop their set of primary ‘milk’ teeth. At the age of 6-7 years, they start losing their milk teeth and the permanent set of teeth start emerging.

Some parents tend to ignore taking their child to a Dentist as they feel that the milk teeth will fall off eventually. However, these milk teeth form the basis of developing permanent teeth. If they are not taken care of properly then problems can start at an early age, which can last a lifetime.

Therefore, it is advised to start taking care of your baby’s teeth in the very early stages of their life to prevent future dental issues. This includes setting oral hygiene routine and regular visits to a Pedodontist/ Pediatric Dentist.

The Importance of Milk Teeth -

Milk teeth are important as they hold space for the permanent teeth to erupt.
They play a primary role in biting, chewing and grinding the food before digesting it.
They play an important role in speech patterns and training.
They are the basis of development of the jaw bones and muscles.
They provide the necessary space and shape to the mouth for the permanent teeth to erupt.

Treatment Modalities Offered by Paedodontist

Examine the mouth, teeth, and gums.
They are an expert in protecting your kids’ teeth by doing a fluoride treatment
Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking and habit counseling to keep the habits of kids in control
Treatment of tooth cavities
Treatment of dental injuries
They can suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

Treatment Options for Kids

Root Canal Treatment/Pulpectomy in Milk Teeth

If the primary (baby) teeth have been injured or if the decay has advanced deep into the roots of the teeth, a root canal treatment/pulpectomy to stabilize the teeth may be needed. It removes the infection from the pulp, the living tissue that is found inside the tooth’s roots. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, so tooth pain is often an indication that decay has moved into the pulp. It is a simple procedure wherein instruments are used to clean the root canals of teeth followed by inserting a medication so as to maintain the teeth properly in the oral cavity.

Oral Habits in Children

Frequently children acquire certain habits that may either temporarily or permanently be harmful to the teeth and their supporting structures. These habits are acquired because of the repetition patterns.

Initially, there is a conscious effort to perform the act. Later the act becomes less conscious and if it is repeated often then it enters the realms of unconsciousness.

Some common oral habits seen in children include thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, lip biting, grinding of teeth and nail biting. Certain reminding appliances called habit breaking appliances assist the child who is willing to quit the habit but is not able to do so as the habit has entered the subconscious level. The appliances may be removable or fixed appliances.

Preventive Treatments for Kids

Fluoride Application

Decayed tooth/teeth is the most common problem for which parents usually take their children to the Dentist. Lack of proper dexterity of brushing in children leads to decayed tooth/teeth. To avoid the problem of decay, parents should get the Fluoride application treatment in children at regular intervals. Fluoride application helps to fight plaque and bacteria and also strengthens the tooth structure. This treatment is equally useful for both milk & permanent teeth.

Sealants

The main reason for decay is the food and bacteria that is trapped in the pits & fissures of the teeth. We chew/grind food from the back teeth like molars and premolars which are never flat and have depressions known as pits & fissures. They function as potential traps for bacteria & food and make it susceptible to decay. Therefore, to avoid such decay, as a preventive measure, certain pits and fissure sealants are placed. Sealants are coatings placed on the chewing surface of the tooth that are vulnerable to decay. Sealants protect the tooth from decay.

Opening Hours:

Monday : ……………… 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Tuesday : ……………… 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Wednesday : ……….. 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Thursday : ……………. 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Friday : …………………. 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Saturday : …………….. 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM Sunday : ………………… Prior Appointment