Pediatric Dentistry — Modern Approaches to Treatment and Prevention of Oral Diseases in Children
Why pediatric dentistry is of key importance
The formation of healthy teeth and gums begins in early childhood. It is during this period that proper hygiene habits are established, which later determine the quality of the smile in adulthood. According to the World Health Organization, dental caries is the most common childhood disease: more than 530 million children worldwide suffer from cavities in primary teeth. In Europe, up to 40% of children aged 5–7 have carious lesions, while in CIS countries the prevalence among preschoolers reaches 60–70%.
Underestimating the condition of primary teeth is a serious mistake. Although temporary, they determine the correctness of occlusion, speech development, and even distribution of chewing load. The premature loss of baby teeth can lead to crowding of permanent teeth and complex orthodontic problems.
The most common dental diseases in children
Caries of primary teeth
Caries ranks first among the reasons for visiting a pediatric dentist. The accelerated progression of the disease is associated with the specific structure of the enamel of baby teeth — thinner and more vulnerable to the action of acids and bacteria. Without treatment, cavities quickly progress to pulpitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis and other inflammatory processes
Gum inflammation in children is more common than usually assumed. Studies in Europe show that signs of gingivitis are present in 60–70% of school-aged children (Journal of Clinical Periodontology). Symptoms include bleeding during brushing, unpleasant breath, swelling, and tenderness of the mucosa.
Malocclusion
According to orthodontists, up to 50% of children in Europe and CIS countries have some form of malocclusion. Such disorders not only affect the aesthetics of the smile but also hinder chewing, cause speech impairments, and increase the risk of dental trauma.
Specifics of children’s treatment — modern methods
Modern pediatric dentistry aims to ensure that the visit to the doctor is not associated with fear and pain. Gentle technologies, quality materials, and a psychological approach are used. Creating a trusting atmosphere is essential: the dentist must be both a doctor and a psychologist, able to win the child’s trust.
Today, cavity treatment in children is possible without pain thanks to modern anesthetics. The use of laser therapy and ozone therapy helps fight infections without damaging healthy tissues. In orthodontics, removable appliances and clear aligners are widely used, which are much better tolerated by children than traditional braces.
Prevention of dental diseases in children
The basis of prevention is regular hygiene, professional cleaning, and enamel strengthening. According to the European Federation of Periodontology, professional cleaning and fluoride treatment in children reduce the risk of caries and inflammatory diseases by 25–30%. In CIS countries, regular preventive visits reduce the prevalence of caries by 15–20% among schoolchildren.
Parents should teach the child the correct brushing technique, monitor the diet, limiting sweets and carbonated drinks, and also visit the dentist at least once every six months. Early diagnosis is of special importance: many problems are easier to resolve at the stage of jaw and dental system development.
The importance of the psychological approach
The first impression of visiting the dentist determines the child’s attitude towards doctors for many years. If the first experience was comfortable and painless, the likelihood of developing dental phobia is minimal. Therefore, pediatric dentists pay attention not only to the quality of treatment but also to the atmosphere — through playful communication, explanations in accessible language, and the creation of positive emotional experience.
Pediatric dentistry at Diplomat Med Center
At Diplomat Med Center, a visit to the dentist becomes a positive event. Our specialists apply gentle techniques, modern anesthetics, and innovative equipment so that treatment takes place without pain and stress. The doctors combine high professional expertise with a psychological approach, creating a trusting atmosphere for the young patient.
We offer a wide range of services: treatment and prevention of caries, filling of baby teeth, correction of malocclusion, treatment of gum diseases, surgical interventions (extraction of baby teeth, frenulum plastic surgery, cystotomy), as well as professional cleaning and fluoride treatment. For diagnostics, digital technologies safe for the child’s body are used.
At Diplomat Med Center, we believe that dentistry for children should be free from pain and fear. Our goal is to preserve your child’s dental and gum health, form correct habits, and bring the joy of a healthy smile.