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| Pedodontics |
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Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry refers to a branch of dentistry that specializes in dental care for children under the age of 16. Pediatric dentists require an extra two to three years of dental training that prepare them in meeting the unique dental needs of infant, children, and adolescent dental care. This also includes those with special health care needs.
Differentiating itself from regular dentistry, pediatric dentistry emphasizes the establishment of trust and confidence in children with their dentists. Consequently, one of the main components of pediatric training is child psychology. This manifests itself in special office designs, different communication style, and an emphasis on teaching preventative dental habits to children in an effort to make dental visits enjoyable.
For children, pedodontics place special importance in preventing tooth decay. Studies show that poor oral health care in children lead to decrease school performance and poor social relationships. Therefore, pediatric dentists give advice on how to make teeth strong, the importance of developing healthy eating habits, and other ways to prevent cavities from occurring.
Additionally, pediatric dentists work towards the maintenance of primary teeth (baby teeth) until they are naturally lost. This is due to the importance they serve in permitting children to chew properly and therefore maintain good nutrition, its role in speech development, and the way it aids permanent teeth by saving space for them.
The role of the pediatric dentists changes as children enter adolescence. Recognizing the growing importance of appearance and self-image in their clients, pediatric dentists work to ensure that adolescents' dental needs are met. Preventative dental health care is emphasized and when necessary, information is provided to adolescents about subjects such as wisdom teeth, tobacco use, sealants, and oral piercing.
Pedodontics not only aids in the dental health of children but serves as an educational tool for parents. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) that a dental visit should occur between shortly after the presence of the first tooth in a child to that child's first birthday. This is because early mouth examinations aids in the detection of the early stages of tooth decay and can therefore be immediately treated. Additionally, parents are given a program of preventative home care (brushing, flossing, fluorides), a caries risk assessment, the latest facts on finger, thumb and pacifier habits, advice on preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth of their children, and information on growth and development. |
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| STAGES OF GINGIVITIS AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE |
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Did you know?
Gum disease is a common dental problem that may result in tooth loss. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are the most common types of adult gum disease. |
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HEALTHY GUMS |
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Healthy teeth and gums are maintained by daily plaque removal from all surfaces of the tooth (through toothbrushing and interdental cleaning)
Healthy gums are characterized by the following features: |
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pink or coral pink color, (normal variations in color depend on race and complexion) |
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firm, resilient tissues |
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shape that follows the contour of the teeth and forms a scalloped edge |
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no areas of redness, swelling or inflammation |
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no bleeding during daily plaque removal |
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no discomfort |
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WHAT IS GINGIVITIS ? |
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Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue. The gums are irritated and swollen due to a plaque or calculus (tartar) buildup along the gumline. The gums may be sore, bleed easily and appear puffy, soft and swollen. No bone structure is lost around the teeth at this stage of gum disease. Blood on the toothbrush or dental floss is one of the earliest and most common signs of gingivitis. Your gums should never bleed while brushing or flossing. The good news about gingivitis is that it is preventable and reversible through good brushing and flossing techniques (or other interdental tooth cleansing). On the other hand, if oral hygiene habits are poor, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis. |
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Gingivitis. Notice the gums are red and swollen. |
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| WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE? |
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eriodontal disease is destruction of bone and the structures supporting the teeth. Unfortunately periodontitis is irreversible, but you can stop its progression through good oral hygiene and visiting your dental professional. |
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| Eight Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease: |
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gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth |
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gums that are red, swollen or tender |
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gums that have pulled away from teeth |
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infection including purulence(pus) between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed |
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permanent teeth that are loose or separating |
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any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite |
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any changes in the fit of your partial denture |
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bad breath |
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itchy sensation |
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EARLY AND MODERATE PERIODONTITIS: |
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- Periodontitis occurs when the inflammation of the gums progresses into the deeper underlying structures and bone.
- In the most common form of periodontitis, plaque (and sometimes calculus) is found below the gumline.
- The gums may feel irritated, appear bright red, and bleed easily.
- The ligaments holding the tooth in its socket break down and the gums pull away from the teeth, resulting in a periodontal pocket or space between the tooth and gum.
- The periodontal pocket deepens and fills with more bacteria. Supportive ligaments and bone start to show damage.
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Moderate periodontal disease: notice the accumulation of calculus around the gumline. The gums are red, swollen and tender. |
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Calculus and plaque do not have to be evident to the naked eye for periodontal disease to be present. You need regular examinations performed by your oral health professional to assess your periodontal health and determine if periodontal disease is active in your mouth. |
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After non-surgical periodontal therapy (i.e. scaling). The gums have been restored to health. Notice the gums have receded, exposing the root of the tooth. This is due to the irreversible bone loss as a result of previous periodontal disease. This can lead to tooth sensitivity. |
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ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS: |
- As bone loss increases, your teeth may lose so much support that they need to be removed to preserve the overall health of your mouth.
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Advanced periodontal disease: further progression of periodontitis with major loss of bone support. The teeth may lose so much support that they may be loose |
Adult gum disease is usually not painful. It can progress slowly. You may not even be aware of it until the advanced stages, when the tooth is in danger of being lost. Check your gums thoroughly and regularly. It is also important to go for regular checkups (at an interval schedule determined through collaboration with your oral health professional, based on your own personal needs). Your dental hygienist can detect the early stages of gum disease, when it is the easiest to treat. |
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Protecting your periodontal health brings many benefits. You can chew with more comfort. You can smile and speak with greater confidence. You can keep dental costs down by preventing further problems. A commitment to maintenance therapy is a commitment to better health. |
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