Pediatric dentistry can be defined and simplified as the branch of dentistry that deals with the oral and maxillofacial health of children from birth to adolescence. This includes children with special needs as well. Therefore, pediatric dentistry differs from general dentistry.
A dentist who specializes in children's oral health is called a pediatric dentist and is a specialist who treats all types of dental diseases in infants, children and adolescents.
Many children nowadays are exposed to many diseases such as tooth decay, which is a very common thing, and the process of losing milk teeth with time is also common, which are replaced by permanent teeth that need exceptional care.
Oral and maxillofacial hygiene is a vital component of human general health, so oral health care must start at the birth of the child, so pediatric dentists recommend that the child make his first visit to the doctors when he reaches the first year.
Early oral hygiene habits work to get a child strong teeth and gums for life. A pediatric dentist can be a child's best friend and can protect them from long-term problems and lifelong dental complications.
Those in charge of this type of dentistry are interested in educating and educating children about the techniques of cleaning and caring for their teeth to maintain them, so the pediatric dentist is the best option to meet the needs of the child and obtain information about pediatric dentistry.
In order to become a practicing pediatric dentist, they must complete at least two additional years of study and training and in many cases up to three years of training.
It is known that it is always difficult to deal with children, especially those who suffer from dental pain as they have mood swings and their behavior is completely different from the usual ones, dentists must have great patience and effective techniques to deal with children and eliminate their pain at the same time, so there are techniques Specific to manage and deal with the behaviors of sick children.
The dentist should hold a detailed meeting with the parents to discuss the child’s behavior, fear and dental health, he should inform the parents of the stages involved in the dental treatment for children, and he should ask them to keep the child’s mind open and comfortable about the treatment process and be ready for it.
Dentists and patients must have a strong relationship as pediatric dentists must treat patients effectively and efficiently and they must have a positive attitude with the child, for example if he cannot speak, the patient will have to guide the patient through facial expressions demonstrating The importance of communicating with the cooperative or non-cooperative child, which leads to the successful completion of dental procedures. This matter or not will help the doctor determine whether the parents should be present during the child’s dental treatment or not.
It is also important to distract the child to reduce the intensity of the pain during the treatment process, for example the child can be given a mirror that distracts him from feeling the pain or anxiety that accompanies the treatment, it is important for the dentist to be fully aware of the child’s health history and prescribe appropriate procedures and methods of treatment.
Pediatric dentists offer a wide range of services and treatment options as well as the experience and training that each of them obtains to provide optimal care for your child's teeth, gums and mouth, such as:
- Comprehensive exams
- Diagnosis and prevention
- Dental restorations
- cosmetic dentistry
- Dental surgical procedures
- Emergency care
- Early orthodontics
Pediatric dentistry also includes the study of the psychology of dental development and analysis and follow-up of the child’s medical history. This helps the pediatric dentist to understand the way children think and follow the condition of their teeth firsthand, and make the dental experience as positive and effective as possible, the experienced doctor who can gain the confidence of the child who He suffers from pain in his teeth that works to give them a sense of comfort and relaxation during their dental visits, and pediatric dentists receive special training in dealing with dental patients with special needs.
