When we speak of pedodontics (or pediatric dentistry), we are referring to treating children (generally considered age 14 and under.) While children have special needs due to the additional concerns of orthodontics, space maintenance and dealing with the mixed dentition (having both "baby" and "adult" teeth), most dentists will treat kids. It is generally due to either a case being complex, or perhaps the child is a bit apprehensive about dental care, or doctors that we would decide to refer the child to a specialist.

There are several things that an office can do to help eliminate the fears that children experience when visiting a dentist. Among these include, having the first visit be when the child is young and has no cavities. At this time, if the dentist can put the child in the chair (or in the mother's lap in the chair), then we can count their teeth and let them watch. (Often, we like to count their fingers first to allow them to see what we are doing and that it doesn't carry any stressful work.) Then after counting their teeth, we may put the air and water syringe in or near their mouth to show them how that works. We also introduce them to the overhead light and how it helps us see better. That is about it for their first visit. It's off to the "toy-chest" after that for a little reinforcement for their good behavior!

Special concerns for children's teeth:

Baby bottle caries: Infants can get cavities just like older children and adults. In fact, if a child nurses with a bottle containing sugar in it, the acids can cause serious decay on the baby teeth. One way to prevent this is to not let your baby sit for long periods of time with sugar flavored drinks (juices, sodas, milk, etc.) in their bottle. Another way is to carefully brush your child's teeth after each bottle, or at least use a washcloth to clean them off. You can bring your child in for an exam as early as one year of age if you are concerned. Typically, however, we will see children for dental visits starting around three to three and a half years of age.

Fluorosis: When teeth are developing, systemic fluoride - through drinking water, tablets, or vitamins that contain fluoride, can all help strengthen the teeth and bones of a growing child. In addition, topical fluoride such as applied with a gel, in mouthrinses, and in toothpastes, has also been found to be beneficial for preventing cavities. These have been shown to reduce cavities 25-60% in various studies. Too much fluoride can cause discoloration of the teeth. You should monitor the amount of fluoride your child ingests when brushing their teeth daily and consult your physician about fluoride tablets, whether your community fluoride level is high enough to provide the benefit you are looking for.

Sealants: Children's teeth have grooves in the tops of them and often those grooves end up getting decay during teh eruption process because they are difficult to clean. A common therapy to help prevent the bacteria and food getting into those grooves is by placing sealants into those grooves. This can also be done on adult teeth as well to prevent cavities. Since they fill in the deep part of the fissure on top of the tooth, they generally stay in the tooth well and offer protection for the tooth for years.