Paediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with the dental health of children and adolescents. Paediatric dentists specialise in the care of milk teeth, the development of permanent teeth, and the prevention of dental diseases. At Condor Dent, we believe (and you’ll surely agree) that good dental health is essential even from the moment milk teeth emerge. So, stay with us, and in today’s article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about caring for the precious teeth of the youngest members of the household.
The Importance of Paediatric Dentistry
Children’s dental health is crucial for their physical and emotional development. Milk teeth are vital for chewing, pronunciation, and self-esteem. Moreover, permanent teeth begin to develop beneath the milk teeth, so it’s essential to care for them to ensure the permanent teeth emerge healthy and strong, along with equally healthy gums.
You might be wondering, what differentiates a general dentist from a paediatric dentist? The primary difference between a general dentist and a paediatric dentist is specialisation. A general dentist is a dental health professional trained to treat patients of all ages. A paediatric dentist, on the other hand, specialises in dental care for children and adolescents.
Recognising this difference is essential because when seeking top-quality work, it’s always best to leave it in the hands of an expert. In this case, a dentist specialised in working with children and young people.
Paediatric Dentistry in the UK
In the UK, paediatric dentistry is a highly recognised dental speciality. Paediatric dentists are qualified to treat children and adolescents of all ages, from birth up to 18 years, providing specialised treatments for each dental stage.
The First Visit to the Paediatric Dentist
The first visit to the paediatric dentist should take place before the child turns 2. This visit is crucial to establish a relationship between the child and the dentist and to detect any early dental issues, addressing them promptly if needed.
Therefore, you’ll likely need to discuss the dentist with your children. For a child, visiting the dentist, in a clinic full of machines and instruments, can range from fascinating to terrifying. That’s why we offer some recommendations on how to approach it.
How to Talk to My Children About the Dentist?
It’s essential to start discussing dentist visits with your children from an early age, helping them develop a positive attitude towards dental health. Here are some tips to introduce your little ones to the dentist:
- Start Early: Talking to your children about the dentist from a young age can help familiarise them with the idea of visiting a clinic where their teeth and gums will be inspected.
- Provide a Positive Perspective: Explain that there’s nothing wrong or dangerous about visiting the dentist. Let them know it’s beneficial for their teeth’s health.
- Answer Their Questions: Children are naturally curious about new experiences. Viewing the dentist visit as a learning opportunity can be very helpful.
- Take Them to the Dentist: Undoubtedly, the best way to learn about something new and become familiar with it is to experience it firsthand. Taking them for a routine check-up can be an exciting and curious moment for them.
In any case, new experiences can sometimes induce fear or anxiety. Here are some game ideas that can help combat your little ones’ fears or anxieties about visiting the dentist:
Ideas to Overcome the Fear of the Dentist in Children:
- Play Dentist: Role-playing games at home, using a toy dental kit, can be fun. Your child can play either the patient or the dentist performing a tooth extraction.
- Watch Interactive Videos: Let your children enjoy documentaries or short films designed for kids. This can give them a better idea of what to expect and adjust their expectations to something calmer and more positive.
- Rewards: Rewards can help children associate the dentist with positive experiences. Offer your child a reward for going to the dentist, like a new toy or a trip to the park. Clearly, we don’t recommend sweets as a reward, ha, ha, ha!
Paediatric Dentistry Treatments
Paediatric dentists can perform a wide range of dental treatments, from the simplest to the more complex or risky. These include:
- General dental check-ups
- Dental cleanings
- Sealants
- Fillings
- Root canal treatments
- Extractions
- Orthodontics
Orthodontics in Paediatric Dentistry
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry responsible for correcting dental misalignments. Dental malocclusions are teeth placement issues that can cause chewing problems, speech issues, and affect self-esteem.
Orthodontics can be done at any stage of life, but it’s most effective when started during childhood or adolescence. Paediatric dentists are qualified to perform orthodontic treatments on children and adolescents. Taking into account the child’s or young person’s developmental stage is vital for achieving quick and positive results. That’s why all paediatric dentistry treatments should be left in the hands of experts.
Condor Dent: Your Best Choice for Paediatric Dentistry in London
Condor Dent is a dental clinic located in London. Our paediatric dentists are qualified and experienced in treating children and adolescents of all ages.
We offer a wide range of dental services, including oral exams, dental cleanings, sealants, fillings, root canal treatments, extractions, and orthodontics, always providing a child-friendly environment.
Our team is committed to offering a safe and welcoming environment for all our patients, ensuring you receive the best care. We hope you’ll get in touch, and also keep an eye on our blog articles, where we always bring valuable information for you. We look forward to seeing you.
