Paediatric dentistry, is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the oral health of children from infancy through to adulthood, encompassing preventive, educational, and therapeutic services. Paediatric dentistry in its true speciality sense, is a 4 year degree obtained at a University, which encompasses nutrition, psychology, behaviour management and working with children with special needs. They are trained to work with children who have medical conditions or disabilities that may affect their dental health – as is the case with Dr Maria Theologides.
Unfortunately, many dentists claim to be paediatric specialists, either because they don’t mind working with children or because they have done a one-year part-time diploma in Paediatrics. In addition, many of these “Paediatric” dentists, still consistently place restorations and sealants that contain aluminium and BPA or use fluoride on their young patients, with no thought to the health implications.
How many of us as adults still fear going to the dentist? Our fears and anxieties are the result of our childhood experiences, very often with dentists that did not understand that treating children (or adults), is not about filling holes, but about building positive relationships for life, and treating not just the cavity, but the person.
Biological dentistry takes this latter point to an elevated level, placing the focus on emotionally and mentally creating an environment that relaxes the child and builds trust; while on a physical level, ensures that toxic materials are not allowed to enter the child’s body. The focus is on true well-being and the role the dentist must play in it.
Childhood has been identified as the critical foundation period in one’s dental life. Dentists often tell parents not to worry or treat the baby teeth, caus they will lose these teeth, forgetting that the exfoliation of teeth happens as a staggered process between the ages of 5 and 12 years old, during which decayed teeth are in the mouth at the same time as permanent teeth – thus exposing these new teeth to a host of bacteria causing tooth decay. In addition, the “tone”has been set wrt oral hygiene and more importantly, the microbiome of the oral cavity which is as significant as the role of the microbiome of the gut.
Neglect of your child’s first set of teeth can lead to unnecessary pain and suffering (abscesses are a common problem), premature loss of teeth, migration of adjacent teeth, crowding, underdeveloped jaws, root canal treated teeth and loss of permanent teeth.
Most adults today had most of their fillings and now crowns, from when they were teenagers or younger. Their dental journey already riddled at this young age of their fears and negative experiences, that sadly now set them up for many of the systemic challenges they will face or are facing as they get older.
Our practice is fully equipped to deal with children of all ages (even the adult type children). Our aim is to encourage a positive attitude toward dental surgery, which your child will carry into adulthood, while ensuring that all treatments and procedures, don’t not use materials that have toxic effects on your child or their mind or body.
A Biological Paediatric dentist, such as Dr Maria Theologides, understands:
Call our practice today to book an appointment for your child with dr Maria Theologides, the only accredited Biological Paediatric Specialist in South Africa. Tel 021 438 1710 or CONTACT US
