What is Pedodontics?

Pedodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and management of problems affecting children’s teeth and gums.

Pedodontists treat children, adolescents, and their families. They diagnose, prevent, and manage dental and oral diseases.

What Does a Pedodontist Do?

Pedodontists are responsible for the early diagnosis and prevention of oral and dental diseases. They can also provide comprehensive dental care for children and their families.

Children who visit a pediatric dentist have many oral and dental health problems. Some of these include:

• Early childhood caries
• Early childhood decay
• Oral dysfunctions
• Orthodontic problems
• Dental trauma
• Temporomandibular joint disorders

Pediatric dentistry is about diagnosing and managing these issues.

They can also work with pediatricians to ensure that kids are receiving adequate dental care.

Education & Training

A pedodontist has a bachelor’s degree in dentistry. He or she must also complete an additional 5 years of advanced training after dental school.

A pediatric dentist has at least 3 years of advanced training post-dental school.

What Do Pedodontists Differ From Other Dentists?

Pedodontists are experts in pediatric dentistry. They also have more advanced training than general dentists. They treat and diagnose kids with dental and oral issues.

Dentists treat adult patients. Pedodontists mainly treat kids.

Dentists focus mainly on routine dental care. Pedodontists deal with more complex and sophisticated issues in kids’ mouths.

Dentists generally don’t specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems specific to children.

6 Reasons to See a Pedodontist

A person should consult a pedodontist if they need a specialized dental care for their child.

A pediatric dentist can help:

• Prevent cavities in children
• Identify dental problems early
• Manage orthodontic issues
• Develop and maintain a healthy oral environment
• Treat developmental and behavioral disorders

Need to know

Appointments

• Regular appointments at least once each year
• Appointments may be needed more frequently depending on the treatment needed for each child

How long it takes

• Annual appointments will usually take around 30 minutes to 60 minutes
• For appointments involving treatment, the appointment time may be slightly longer

You may be asked about

• Your dental history and medical history
• Your oral health care routine at home

Before your appointment

• No special preparation needed

After your appointment

• You will be able to carry on as normal unless undergoing complex treatment and your paediatric dentist advises otherwise

Quick tip

It’s so important to take care of your oral health from a young age. We recommend visiting a paediatric dentist as young as 6 months old, or as soon as the first teeth appear.