Paedodontics is a branch of dentistry concerned with the treatment of children. It is commonly known as paediatric (UK) or pediatric (USA) dentistry.
What do paediatric dentists do?
The aim of Paedodontics, or paediatric dentistry, is to promote good oral health, prevent oral health diseases and treat existing conditions in children. Children are often nervous and scared when they go to the dentist, which is why paediatric dentists undertake years of training to equip themselves to provide emotional support for children. There is of course training in the treatment and prevention of oral health conditions as well.
In recent years, the emphasis for children’s dentistry has been preventative care and dentists work on the basis that prevention is better than cure. They use different techniques, including oral health education, dental hygiene, healthy eating advice, and preventative treatments, such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealants, to try and reduce rates of decay and gum disease and improve standards of oral health among children.
Paedodontics is an area of dentistry in Merseyside with a lot of scope. Dentists carry out a wide range of treatments and procedures, from routine check-ups to complex treatment for facial abnormalities, and some also have training in treating children with special needs.
The importance of good oral health for children
Recently, dentists across the world have reported an increase in the number of young people requiring complex dental treatment and this is alarming as dental health during childhood is often an indicator of oral health during adulthood. Children who have good oral hygiene habits and good oral health are more likely to enjoy good oral health later in life. Dentists have attributed the increased rates of decay to an increase in sugar consumption (usually in fizzy drinks and sweets) and poor oral hygiene habits.
Tags: children and dentistry