What paediatric dentistry is
A paediatric dentist, sometimes called a pedodontist, is a dentist who works with patients of all ages, from infants to young adults. In the definition of dentistry, paediatric dentistry is regarded as one of the nine principal dental specialties. Dentists in this field offer their patients a broad range of treatments.
The milk teeth are usually the first to come through in a baby, between four and six months. The process in which the milk teeth are replaced by the permanent, adult or secondary teeth begins somewhere between the sixth and seventh year. It is important to have the milk teeth treated as soon as possible, even though they will fall out before the adult teeth arrive. If you do not have your teeth cleaned regularly, you can look forward to a life of pain and illness. Taking your child to a paediatric dentist early means you can make sure they receive the right diagnosis and treatment to avoid further dental problems in future. Paediatric dentists usually complete two or three years of further training after dental school. They are also taught developmental aspects of paediatric dentistry, which allows them to have productive conversations with children.
What are their tasks?
Dentists who specialise in paediatric dentistry offer comprehensive care tailored to the particular needs of children, adolescents and young adults. The following services are provided:
- Examinations of the mouth
- Fluoride treatments and regular cleanings
- Early detection and treatment to straighten teeth, correct a faulty bite or fill decay
- Dental trauma, such as broken or displaced teeth, can be treated
- Treating inflamed gums in children to prevent a periodontal infection developing
- Diabetes, asthma, hay fever and ADHD are among the conditions associated with dental health problems for which there may be early warning signs
The benefits of seeing a paediatric dentist
The state of a person’s oral health has a considerable influence on their general wellbeing. The mouth, described as the gateway to the rest of the body, is home to numerous bacteria. Some germs do you no harm at all, while others can make you ill. Brushing and flossing are two healthy habits worth acquiring, since they help keep germs under control and prevent disease in the mouth and elsewhere in the body. For children, whose mouths are still developing, good oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. Paediatric dentists set great store by teaching children healthy habits they can keep for life. They also diagnose and treat conditions in infants, children and adults of all ages, with a particular focus on treating children with special medical needs.
What to know when your child goes to the dentist
For children, a visit to the dentist is not the same as a visit to the doctor. Unlike adults, they are usually not able to stay calm and cooperative for the whole duration of an examination or cleaning. Practitioners recommend taking your child to the dentist either 6 or 12 months after the first tooth comes through. The first consultation usually lasts between thirty and forty-five minutes, and the kind of examination and treatment a child receives depends on their age. The following should be on the programme at a regular check-up:
- A brief conversation about your child’s oral hygiene, that is, their brushing habits and their use of floss
- An analysis of the teeth, gums, oral structures, bite and surrounding tissue to establish how growth is progressing
- Polishing and smoothing the teeth to remove plaque and tartar deposits and discolouration
- X-rays of children’s teeth are only taken by paediatric dentists when they find signs of decay or need to examine the root
How can Zahnchirurgie Köln help with your child’s dental care?
Zahnchirurgie Köln is familiar with the concept of paediatric dentistry and able to draw up a range of treatment plans tailored specifically to your child’s needs. We consider it very important that your child has a positive experience at the dentist and feels comfortable, safe and confident. Our practice focuses on a broad spectrum of oral health problems in its patient care and treats a wide range of conditions related to children’s oral health. Among the further procedures we offer are filling cavities, extracting teeth, repairing broken teeth and treating sensitive teeth. Our dentist can administer antibiotics and painkillers and provide anaesthetic for certain procedures.
Zahnchirurgie Köln is able to assess its patients and decide whether orthodontic or surgical treatment is necessary or advisable. Besides preventive measures, our practice also treats injuries in the mouth and carries out procedures known as pulp therapy. If your child’s milk teeth fall out unusually early, a paediatric dentist can recommend space maintainers to prevent the permanent teeth shifting.
Another important part of paediatric dentistry is teaching children proper oral hygiene. We can not only inform them of the benefits of good hygiene but also advise their parents on subjects such as the best toothpaste, the right diet, stopping thumb-sucking and much more. Contact us straight away if your child has problems that might be connected with their teeth.
