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How To Select The Right Dentist For Your Children?

Parents today always ensure that their children get the best of everything, right from schooling to medical treatments. This search for the best also involves finding the perfect pediatric dentist who not only helps in maintaining the oral health of the kid, but also is compassionate and understanding towards children’s needs. However, many parents go wrong in this case, and the child’s first visit to the dentist turns out to be a nightmare not only for the kids, but the parent as well.

Know more about the criteria, to find a perfect ‘child dentist near me’, who actually strives towards giving the best treatment to the kids as well as who cancels the notion of ‘scary’ and ‘dentist’ going hand in hand.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry deals with the dental care of the children from the infant stage to all the way to the teenage stage. Unlike regular dentists, a pediatric dentist is a professional who has the knowledge and skills to treat various dental health problems faced by the children. They are very well trained and experienced in handling children’s oral health issues and behavior.

What Are the Common Dental Problems for Children?

Children need attention and care when it comes to their dental health. It is important to develop good hygiene practice from the start and treat any problems if they exist without any delay. Here are some common dental problems that children experience.

  • Tooth Decay 

Tooth decay is one of the major problems faced by children. It is caused by the accumulation of certain bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria when comes in contact with food containing high sugar content, produces acid which leads to tooth decay or cavities. If not treated on time, this can cause severe pain and the child may face problems in chewing the food.

  • Sensitive Teeth 

Children can face sensitivity in teeth due to various reasons, including tooth decay or eating/drinking something hot or cold. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the dentist and get the checkup done to know the exact cause and do the prescribed treatment.

  • Thumb-Sucking 

The habit of thumb-sucking is normal in babies but only up to a certain point. Thumb sucking can cause abnormal oral development, improper alignment, and can also affect the delivery of the speech.

  • Gum Disease 

Gum disease, also known as Gingivitis, refers to the swelling of the gum tissue. Improper oral hygiene leads to this condition and can even cause bleeding gums. Healthy gums are crucial to support the overall development of teeth and hence, one should pay special attention to this and take proper care.

  • Dental Anxiety 

Most people think of Dental anxiety as an underrated problem, but it needs to be taken seriously. A child may get frightened and avoid a visit to the dentist. Giving early attention to this problem can prevent its effect on adulthood. Therefore, visiting a pediatric dentist who is an expert in dealing with issues like this can help your child to have good dental health.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

What Factors To Look For In The Dentist For Your Children?

The struggle is real when it comes to selecting a dentist for your children. Given below are the major points that you can look for while making the decision.

  • What are their Qualifications and Experience? 

It is important to look for the qualification and experience of the dentist. A specialized dentist with a good amount of working experience is the right choice. In India, the qualifications of pediatric dentist involve an MDS, Pediatric Dentist.

Another aspect which the parents can look into is the experience and reviews of the doctor. There are various testimonials, reviews and before-after pictures available today on the internet through which the parent can rummage and literally find a ‘perfect fit’ for their child!

  • Whether the environment is Children Friendly? 

The overall environment of the clinic plays one of the crucial factors in making the children comfortable. Generally, children prefer colorful and interactive surroundings to assimilate into their comfort zone. Presence of different toys, paintings of their favorite cartoons and a light-hearted atmosphere is what makes them feel lively and home. And this can definitely help the parents to avoid all the hassle that involves when they are getting their kids ready for the dentist’s visit.

Apart from having a pleasant environment, the clinic must be upgraded and up to date with the latest technological advancements. A well-equipped clinic with a good and child-friendly waiting area symbolizes a ready place to treat and take care of all oral health care treatments, including all emergencies; and emergencies when it comes to kids can be like war-time scenarios for parents.

It is the job of the pediatric dentist to create such an environment where the children feel safe and joyful. The environment can make or break the children’s experience on a visit to the clinic and hence considering this factor is also important while choosing the right dentist for your children.

  • What kind of services do they offer and what is their unique approach? 

The services offered differ from dentist to dentist. A pediatric dentist who is specialized and addresses all your needs along with consultation is a good choice.

The next question that the parents should ask is what exactly is the dentist’s approach? Having a proactive and preventative approach is what sets a pediatric dentist apart. The dentist should urge the parents to involve themselves in regular and timely visits to the clinic during their child’s growing years as those years are some of the most crucial one’s when it comes to oral health. The baby’s first teething, what can be done during that time, taking care of the gums, the spurting of milk-teeth, the falling off of milk-teeth and all other aspects can be analyzed and taken care of during these initial visits.

  • How do they respond to Emergencies? 

This is one of the important factors that one should look for. One should go for a pediatric dentist who can manage emergency cases and is available at the required time.

  • Behavioral managerial skills

Nothing cheers up a kid more than a good chat with him/her on their favorite topics. Pediatric dentists are trained in such a way that they communicate with kids in a pleasing way by indulging them in questions, talking to them about their favorite things, variation in tones and other tactics. This helps the child to form a bond with the dentist whom they start to look up to as a person who they can trust. This greatly helps during the treatment process.

Also, certain moments can arrive during the treatment where the kid can tend to get nifty. Handling such a situation with utmost calm and patience is necessary. A pediatric dentist with good behavioral management skills can definitely pave the way for a smooth and hassle-free treatment.

  • Importance to consultation

A one-on-one consultation is a very important factor as it covers all the above aspects. It makes the parents analyze the qualifications and training of the dentist, the child’s comfort level with the overall environment, the child’s rapport with the dentist, the dentist’s approach, so on and so forth.

The outcome of the consultation is what matters the most as it becomes a decisive point of whether to begin the treatment or not. Hence, giving importance to the consultation is quite necessary to have a smooth road ahead.

Picking a dentist for a child is definitely a cumbersome task. However, we hope that this blog made a lot of difficulties easier for parents who are in search of dentists to make their kids’ smile even brighter!

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

Children With Special Needs Need More Attention To Dental Care

Children with special needs face many difficulties and they require extra attention to dental care.  This can be a very challenging job for the parents as they might face a problem in understanding their child’s state who is not able to speak or communicate the problem faced by him/her properly. Therefore, it’s important to have a periodic checkup with the pediatric dentist and maintain the dental health of the child.

We understand the hurdles parents face when raising children who are physically or mentally challenged. Our Pediatric Dentist Dr Shilpi Dadarya is calm, kind and understanding. Her sole focus when treating special needs children is to make the process as comfortable and as painless as possible.

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Pediatric Dental Treatments Under General Anesthesia

About Pediatric Treatments

dentist for kids  has laid out the fundamental guidelines for carrying out dental treatments under General Anesthesia for kids.

“Our pediatric dentistry practice is also the only practice in Pune that has a full range of dental care services for Special Needs Children. Since we are responsible for the safety of children, we consider it our duty to inform the parents as to when, how and why certain dental procedures may need to be performed under General Anesthesia”.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

When Does Pandit Clinic Recommend Dental Treatments Under General Anesthesia?

There are certain scenarios where recommends dental treatments under General Anesthesia. If the patient falls into any of the following categories we consider General Anesthesia for the Dentistry sessions.

  1. The child is extremely uncooperative, afraid or anxious.
  2. Special Needs Children who are unable to comprehend the instructions given by the doctor and need to undergo dental procedures
  3. Children and young adolescents who need to undergo complex dental procedures or surgeries.

Unlike adults, children sometimes do not understand why they are undergoing dental treatments. Their innocent minds may get scared easily and they might refuse to cooperate altogether with the doctor, nurses and even their parents. In the case of Special Needs Children, the challenge level rises even higher since their mental health is slightly more delicate and physical health is also fragile. Therefore to ensure that the dental care provided to them is effective and pain-free, Dr Pratibha Kukreja Pandit may recommend dental treatment under General Anesthesia.

There are also some cases where children and adolescents may need to undergo complicated dental procedures and in such cases, general anesthesia is preferred over local anesthesia.

It is important to note here that Doctor does not recommend treatments under General Anesthesia unless and until it is absolutely necessary.

Is It Safe To Use General Anesthesia On Kids?

It is normal to be faced with doubts and fears when a doctor tells you that your child will be put under General Anesthesia for a medical procedure. And although there are some risks associated with General Anesthesia, those risks are rare occurrences when it is administered by a well-trained anesthesiologist.

we have a well equipped state-of-the-art facility for inducing, monitoring and maintaining general anesthesia while Doctors performs the dental procedure on the patient. All the necessary precautions are taken by  staff and surgeons to keep your child safe. When General Anesthesia is administered, the child is constantly monitored throughout the course of the treatment.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

What Type Of Information Needs To Be Disclosed To The Doctor Before The Treatment?

As mentioned earlier General Anesthesia treatments are carried out with immense responsibility and precautions by the team of Dental Clinic, but we also need the full cooperation of the parents of the patient to make these treatments a total success.

One of the important aspects of this is full medical history disclosure. The parents are requested to inform us of the following –

Any information not mentioned above but relevant to the case also needs to be shared by the parents proactively. All of the above information is useful for the Pediatric Dentist and the Anesthesiologist to calculate the dosage of General Anesthesia and monitor the parameters of the child and to determine the post anesthesia care for the patient.

What Happens At A Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation?

It is mandatory to undergo a pre-anesthesia evaluation for the patient before the dental procedure. The evaluation is performed by Dental Clinic’s anesthesiologist under the watchful eyes of Doctors who is the primary dental physician for the patient.

Based on the medical history of the patient, our doctors will prescribe appropriate investigations required for the procedure. A physical evaluation is done to ensure safety during the procedure. Sometimes, a general physician or pediatrician may be asked to give consent about the overall fitness of the patient. In some cases, additional evaluation by a specialist may be required.

It is mandatory to undergo a pre-anesthesia evaluation for the patient before the dental procedure. The evaluation is performed by Dental Clinic’s anesthesiologist under the watchful eyes of Doctor  who is the primary dental physician for the patient.

Based on the medical history of the patient, our doctors will prescribe appropriate investigations required for the procedure. A physical evaluation is done to ensure safety during the procedure. Sometimes, a general physician or pediatrician may be asked to give consent about the overall fitness of the patient. In some cases, additional evaluation by a specialist may be required.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

What Are The Restrictions Before And After The Procedure?

It is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding fasting (food and fluid restrictions) prior to appointment. These instructions will be given to you during the pre-anesthesia evaluation.

Your child will be discharged when stable and alert. Children often feel tired after the procedure. You will be instructed to let your child rest at home with minimal activity until the next day. Antibiotics and painkillers will be prescribed postoperatively, as required. Postoperative dietary recommendations will also be given.

A relaxed, happy and safe environment is the best way your child will recover quickly and comfortably after a procedure under general anesthesia.

 

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How Is Inhalation Sedation Used To Treat Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a fear or phobia of visiting the dentist. It’s a very common problem, and it can be caused by several different things. For some people, it’s the fear of pain. Others may be afraid of needles or the drill.

Dental anxiety is a common problem, affecting many kids and adults. Dental anxiety is often severe enough to prevent people from getting necessary dental care.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

What is Inhalation Sedation?

Inhalation sedation is a type of sedation that uses nitrous oxide gas (also called “laughing gas”) to help you relax. It’s a safe and effective way to calm you down and make you feel at ease during your dental treatment.

Inhalation sedation is one of the safest forms of sedation for both adults and children. And it’s one of the most common types of sedation used in dentistry.

Inhalation sedation works by relaxing the muscles and reducing the level of anxiety. The nitrous oxide gas is inhaled through a mask that is placed over your nose. You will remain awake and be able to respond to questions during your dental treatment.

What Are The Advantages Of Inhalation Sedation?

Inhalation sedation has many advantages:

When Is Inhalation Sedation Used?

Inhalation sedation is mainly used to treat mild to moderate dental anxiety. It is particularly beneficial for anxious kids.

The minimum age for administering inhalation sedation to children is three years of age. Children must understand the goal and mechanism of inhalation sedation. Generally speaking, at three years old a child has developed an adequate level of understanding to allow him or her to follow simple directions. Inhalation sedation may also be used to help older children with orthodontic extractions. Many extractions or surgical procedures may be alarming for the patients. Inhalation sedation might alleviate any fears.

Inhalation sedation is also used for adults who feel dental anxiety or who have a general fear of needles and injections. People with a phobia of needles and injections do not feel comfortable with intravenous sedation. They can benefit from the safety and effectiveness of inhalation sedation.

Inhalation sedation can be used to help patients with a severe gag reflex who cannot tolerate impressions or radiographs.

It’s also beneficial for the treatment of medically compromised individuals, such as those with heart disease or allergies to general anesthesia.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

When Should Inhalation Sedation Not Be Used?

Inhalation sedation has a long history of being safe for medical and dental procedures. It may be utilized safely in most patients under dental care. However, in certain individuals, inhalation sedation would be unsuitable. Some examples of these are:

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How Fluoride Can Prevent Cavities In Kids

Fluoride is a naturally found mineral that plays an important role in keeping the teeth enamel safe and preventing cavities. Children with fluoride deficiency are highly susceptible to cavities. 

Fluoride is a common name often associated with oral care. But what exactly is fluoride? This is one of the most common questions which pops up in one’s mind when we talk about oral health care. Another aspect that comes into the picture in how is fluoride beneficial to kids? Many parents are worried about maintaining good oral health care for their children and fluoride plays a major role in this.

Dr Shilpi Dadarya (MDS, Pediatric  Dentist, Kolkata) of dentist for kids  Clinic – Jabalpur’s well-known multispecialty practice has specially written this blog to answer various questions that might come into the mind when talking about the benefits of fluoride in one’s oral health and especially young kids.

Why Is Fluoride Necessary And How Is It Beneficial?

Children’s teeth go through a lot daily. They eat a variety of stuff ranging from sugary sweets to acidic foodstuffs. These have an adverse effect upon the tooth enamel as the bacteria and plaque build-up often attack the minerals on the tooth causing demineralization. Constant and continuous demineralization often leads to tooth decay.

Fluoride is an important element which causes ‘remineralization’, that is, restoring the minerals in the tooth and making them healthy. Not only is it necessary for remineralization, but it also greatly helps in reversing primary tooth decay which has the potential of damaging the tooth further. Hence, fluoride is quite essential when it comes to the prevention of tooth decay which is a prerequisite for having healthy and clean oral health.

Fluoride benefits children immensely. The earlier children are exposed to fluoride, the less likely they are to develop cavities. A large study found that children and adolescents who received fluoride treatments for one year were 43% less likely to have tooth decay and cavities.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

What Are The Sources Of Flouride?

 You can get fluoride in two ways:

  • systemically in water and dietary supplements
  • topically from toothpaste and treatments at the dentist

According to the ADA (American Dental Association), it’s best to get fluoride both topically and systemically. So, you still need to use fluoride toothpaste, even if your local water is boosted by added fluoride.

Fluoride is mostly available through the food that we eat as well as water. Some of the common foodstuffs which we consume that have fluoride include:

  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Shrimp
  • Infant formulas

Apart from the availability of fluoride in food and water, nowadays, there are various kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes which have a certain amount of fluoride. The quantity of the same varies from product to product where it is stronger in certain products whereas in low concentration in some. These are generally available in medical stores.

In certain cases, the dentist for kids may also directly apply fluoride in the form of foam, gel, or even paste whenever needed during the appointment. The fluoride used at a dentist’s office is strongly concentrated and used according to the condition of the tooth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. If your child is at high risk for cavities, your dentist may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel to use regularly at home.

At What Age Should Parents Start Inculcating Fluoride In Their Child’s Oral Care?

Fluoride is highly beneficial to prevent tooth decay and hence it must be inculcated right from when the first teeth sprout up to the age of sixteen. This is the time when milk teeth fall off and permanent teeth start sprouting up. Hence, fluoride-rich oral care helps to have strong teeth which are highly beneficial in the long run.

Parents play a big role in teaching the right oral care habits if the child is a toddler. If the child is under three years of age, brushing the teeth twice a day, daily with the help of a soft-bristled toothbrush and a thin layer of fluoride paste is necessary.

Fluoride toothpaste the size of a pea is recommended for children ages 3 to 6 years old. You should watch children and ensure they spit the toothpaste out while brushing.

Optimal fluoride intake comes from food, water, and supplements. The following is the  recommended daily amounts of fluoride for maintaining good oral health:

  •       Birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5 milligrams (mg)
  •       4 to 6 years of age: 1 to 2.5 mg
  •       7 to 10 years of age: 1.5 to 2.5 mg
  •       Adolescents and adults: 1.5 to 4 mg

Recent studies have shown that adults too benefit greatly from fluoride. Using topical toothpaste, mouthwashes, etc. help in the prevention of cavities on a large scale.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

Who Can Undergo Fluoride Treatments?

It is obvious that fluoride is definitely beneficial for everyone irrespective of age. However, certain children benefit more from professional fluoride treatment and require it more frequently.

  • Children with a history of cavities greatly benefit from fluoride treatments. The pediatric dentist, in this case, might also prescribe at-home treatments which include fluoride-rich toothpaste, gels, or mouthwashes as well in order to avoid cavities in the future.
  • Often, children undergoing orthodontic treatments are advised to undergo fluoride treatments as the teeth are prone to decay underneath the braces.
  • Gum diseases like periodontitis often expose the tooth to more decay and infection. Fluoride treatments, in this case, can also help in controlling the amount of decay thus stopping the spread of decay further.

People facing these issues specifically benefit more from fluoride treatment and this helps them in maintaining good oral health.

Are There Side Effects To Over Use Of Fluoride?

Dental fluorosis is a condition that is a side effect of too much fluoride exposure to the teeth of the child even when they have not yet come out. As and when these teeth start sprouting up, one can observe white specks on the teeth. Sometimes, these are not even noticeable and can be only identified by a dentist during a regular visit. This condition does not affect the working and the condition of the teeth whatsoever. Also, it is not possible to get dental fluorosis once the teeth have grown properly.

Some other issues arising out of too much fluoride are as follows:

  • staining and pitting on teeth
  • problems with bone homeostasis
  • very dense bones that aren’t very strong

Acute toxicity, such as an overdose on fluoride supplement pills which is extremely rare, can cause:

  •       nausea
  •       diarrhea
  •       tiredness
  •       excessive sweating

Do You Need To Use Fluoride Toothpaste?

Brushing the teeth twice a day is the best way to remove plaque from teeth and gums. Flossing or using an interdental tooth cleaner is necessary to reach tooth surfaces that a toothbrush can’t cover. Imbibing these habits in children at an early age is very important as it helps them understand the importance of the same.

Inculcating fluoride-based products in the daily oral care routine is an excellent way to make sure that the teeth are protected from decay.

The movement and friction of brushing teeth are crucial. You could brush your teeth with just water but using a toothpaste that contains fluoride and other cleaning agents will greatly enhance the benefits of toothbrushing.

Fluoride occurs naturally in most water sources but adding trace amounts of fluoride to tap water is especially beneficial for people without regular access to a dentist.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

Conclusion

Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities. It restores minerals to tooth enamel and prevents harmful bacteria from building up in the mouth. Overdosing on fluoride can cause negative complications.

Taking the utmost care of teeth right from a young age is absolutely necessary to have good oral health.

We hope that this blog helped you to understand the uses and benefits of fluoride deeply, specifically in the case of children.