Pedodontics, or pediatric dentistry, deals specifically with the oral care of children. A Pedodontist, or pediatric dentist, receives training in child psychology, growth and development. They are an ideal choice for children with fears or behavioural problems that make visits to the regular dentist unproductive. Babies are born with their primary teeth formed underneath the gums, but they don't start appearing until many months later, usually between six to seven months after birth; however, there is considerable variation in the timing.

Parents should take their child to a dentist around his or her first birthday. This gives the dentist a chance to look for early problems with your child's teeth. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children's dental health. You and your child's dentist should review important information about diet, bottles, tooth brushing and fluoride use. Visiting the dentist from a young age will help your child become comfortable with his or her dentist. It also establishes the good habit of regular dental check-ups.

Healthy teeth and gums are essential for a healthy body. From their first baby teeth to their adult teeth, you can help your children enjoy a lifetime of good oral health with proper care at home, a balanced diet and regular dental visits.

Habit Breaking Appliances:

What are the different habits that can be encountered in children?

This can be thumb sucking, finger biting, nail biting, lip biting, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting etc.,

What are habit breaking appliances?

These are appliances that is made by a dentist to combat the above mentioned habits in children. They can be either a fixed or removable type.

What are the deleterious effects of these habits?

If these habits are continued for a prolonged period of time that can result in gum disease, change in position of teeth and change in shape of the jaws.

Is there any ideal age when these habits can be corrected?
No. whenever the habit is first noticed it is better to consult a pediatric dentist. He may give suggestions depending upon the habits.

Is there any common cause for these habits?

One can probably assume that there may be some kind of psychological disturbance in the child's mind. this must be identified and rectified at an earlier stage whenever possible because these kind of things can affect the child's overall development. Sometimes the first child starts thumb sucking once the second child is born because of lack of attention.

Pit and Fissure Sealants :

The top surfaces of your teeth - where the chewing takes place - aren't smooth and flat. They are cris-crossed with tiny hills and valleys - called pits and fissures. These are places where plaque can build up safe from your toothbrush and dental floss. Some of the pits and fissures are so narrow that even a single bristle from your toothbrush can't get deep enough to clean them out.

One method of preventing cavities from developing in the pits and fissures is to seal them off with a special varnish called a pit and fissure sealant.

Fluoride Treatment :

Fluoride naturally present in teeth and it gives strength to teeth along with preventing teeth from decaying. Hence dentist all over the world suggest using such toothpastes that has fluoride in it. Fluoride also exists in water, eggs, fish, meat and tea. Out of which water has limited amount of fluoride. Fluoride is widely used in various dental treatments, in toothpastes and in mouth rinses. The dentists use various fluoride treatments to deal with tooth decaying.

Space Maintainer :

Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom fit to your child's mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days. Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It's more affordable -- and easier on your child -- to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.

Pediatric dentists have four rules for space maintainer care.

First, avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum.

Second, don't tug or push on the space maintainer with your fingers or tongue.

Third, keep it clean with conscientious brushing and flossing.

Fourth, continue regular dental visits.

Primary teeth are also called baby teeth, milk teeth, or first teeth. Baby teeth are very important as place holds for permanent teeth. There a couple of simple rules that usually applies to the eruption of baby teeth:

Your child's first baby tooth is another milestone in the growth of a child. Parents love to celebrate the tiny, yet momentous steps that pave a child's healthy development. Keeping your child free of tooth decay is the goal. A little effort may reveal the secrets how dentists keep their own children cavity free. Pedodontics focuses heavily on preventative oral care to reduce the risk of future complications like thumbsucking in the children, thus possibly reducing the risk of overbite. A Pedodontist may also start interceptive orthodontic treatment to prepare a child's mouth for future orthodontic work.

By the child is nearly 18 months old, start keeping him from bottles by this age. Doing so will help prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. By the time children are three years old, they usually have a full set of 20 primary teeth. Faulty brushing habits coupled with the consumption of sticky substances are generally responsible for triggering dental decay or dental caries in milk teeth.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

 

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Decay in infants and children is called baby bottle tooth decay. It can destroy the teeth and most often occurs in the upper front teeth. But other teeth may also be affected.

What causes 'Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

As soon as a baby's first teeth appear—usually by age six months or so—the child is susceptible to decay. Decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given and are left clinging to an infant's teeth for long periods. Many sweet liquids cause problems, including milk, formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can decay.

It's not just what you put in your child's bottle that causes decay, but how often — and for how long a time. Giving your child a bottle of sweetened liquid many times a day isn't a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can also harm the child's teeth.

Guidelines for Preventing Tooth Decay

Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby's teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to your child by following the tips below:

After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad. Begin brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth erupts. Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless, and begin flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2½.

Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.

If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or physician. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweet liquid.

Avoid filling your child's bottle with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.

If your local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist how your child should get it.

Start dental visits by the child's first birthday. Make visits regularly. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.

over 40 percent of children already have one or more cavities. Risk factors include:

• not brushing well
• drinking too much juice and milk
• eating a lot of junk food
• not visiting a dentist regularly
• getting a bottle or cup at night

Encourage Brushing & Flossing

• Brushing twice a day and flossing are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

• A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children two and older is all that is needed.

• Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.

• For young children, select a child-size toothbrush with soft bristles.

• Children should be able to brush alone by age seven.

• Replace toothbrushes every three to four months.

• Use floss as soon as the child has two teeth that touch.

• Ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.

• Supervise your child’s brushing and flossing until you are satisfied they are doing both properly.

Begin regular dental check-ups every six months.

• Schedule the dental appointment for a time when your child feels rested and cooperative. Avoid nap and mealtimes if possible.

• Don’t let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits.

• Don’t let your child know if you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist.

• Don’t bribe your child to go to the appointment.

• Never use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.

• Do try to make your child’s dental visit an enjoyable outing.

• Set a good example by taking care of your oral hygiene and health.