What a pediatric dentist does
A pediatric dentist (pedodontist) trains for an extra three years after dental school in treating children, from babies to teenagers, including children with special needs. Dr Ankur Jain holds an MDS in Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry and taught the subject for 15 years, last as Professor & Head at People’s Dental Academy, Bhopal.
Treatment for milk teeth
A decayed milk tooth can often be saved with a filling. If decay has reached the nerve, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy (a root canal for a milk tooth) can keep it comfortable until it is ready to fall out. A badly broken-down milk tooth may need a crown. If a milk tooth is lost early, a space maintainer keeps room for the adult tooth.
Prevention comes first
Most cavities in children can be prevented. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: a smear the size of a grain of rice under three years, and a pea-sized amount from three to six. Help with brushing until your child can do it well. Keep sweet snacks and drinks to mealtimes, and avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
When a child is anxious
Some children need more time, and a few need help to relax. Dr Jain can talk with you about laughing-gas (nitrous oxide) sedation and, for some children, treatment under general anaesthesia. See the guide to sedation for how these work.
Questions to ask Dr Jain
- Can this milk tooth be saved?
- What are the options, and what does each involve?
- What should we change at home?
- When should we come back?
The right treatment depends on the examination. This guide does not replace advice for your child. Source: American Dental Association: healthy habits for babies and kids.