PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Flashcards
What is the classification Frankl behaviour rating?
1 = Definitely negative = refusal of tx; crying; fearful
2 = Negative = reluctance to accept treatment; some evidence of negative attitude e.g. withdrawn
3 = Positive = acceptance of tx; cautiously but willing to comply at times with reservation; follows instructions
4 = Definitely positive = good rapport with
Dentist; interest in procedure; laughter.
What is systemic desensitisation?
Graded exposure and relaxation to remove a fear response.
A person is gradually exposed to an anxiety-producing object, event, or place while being engaged in some type of relaxation at the same time in order to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
What are some anatomical features of primary molars? (8)
- Thin, uniform thickness of enamel (1mm)
- Smaller crowns with marked cervical constriction.
- Narrow occlusal table
- Broad contact points
- Large pulp, follows the external contour of the tooth
- Large mesio-buccal pulp horn
- Thin pulpal floor
- Early radicular pulp involvement
How are permanent molars different to primary molars anatomically? (4)
- Variable thickness of enamel 2-3mm
- Thicker layer of dentine
- Proportionally smaller pulps
- Appear more ‘yellow’ or ‘brown’ due to enamel being less porous than primary teeth
What are some implications of anatomy of primary teeth for restorations?
- Rapid caries progression -due to thinner enamel and dentine.
- Short clinical crowns make matrix bands difficult.
- Need to restore broad contact points
- Thin more porous enamel + less mineralised dentine means less tooth structure protecting pulp so pulp exposure more common and due to large pulp chamgers (especially mesial buccal pulp horn).
5, Mesio-buccal pulp horn large - exposure easy! - Long, flared roots make pulpectomy difficult!
What alternative radiographs can be used if intra-orals not possible in children?
Oblique laterals or dental panoramic radiographs
What is the radiation risk to the child compared to an adult?
- <10 years of age multiplication factor for risk is x3 (compared to a 30-year-old adult)
- Risk of harm due to ionising radiation is greater in children since their tissues are more radiosensitive and their life spans are longer.
- In general, young children are at about 2-3 times the risk of developing a radiation-induced cancer than adults in their thirties of the same effective dose.
- Radiation dosage should be kept as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)
What are the common forms of radiographs taken in children? (+ uses)
Bitewings – best for interproximal caries
PAs – useful for dental trauma
DPT – useful for assessing the development of the dentition (e.g. supernumerary and missing teeth)
Lateral obliques – only useful for the posterior teeth due to crowding and superimposition
Occlusal radiographs – can show trauma, unerupted teeth and pathologies.
How much larger does the cavity appear clinically compared to the radiograph and what % demineralisation is required to see a radiolucency?
Appear 1/3 larger
50% demineralisation is required
What are the main practical tips in taking radiographs in young children? (4)
Use smaller film sizes (e.g. sizes 0 for children 4-10 and size 2 for 10-12)
Use differing film holders depending on age (for 4-7 may use a tab, 7-10 use a holder and 10+ use a holder)
Use the modified bisected angle technique
Demonstrate the equipment prior to using it. Use simple language to engage children and distract them (TELL, SHOW, DO)
In what order do the cranium vault, maxilla and mandible grow?
Cranium vault is completed before the maxilla, which is completed before the mandible
What does the alveolar ridge look like at birth?
Well developed alveolar ridge with swellings containing primary teeth
What is teething and what does it cause?
> Localised reddening of the alveolar ridges
Increased salivation
Discomfort and pain prior to eruption
How do you manage teething?
Analgesics and soothing aids
What is Dental Check by One?
National campaign to make sure everyone has examination by 1
What do you do on the first visit to the dentist by age 1?
OHI and information regarding feeding, teething and habit assessment
What do you do in the early visits to the dentist, by the age of 3 or younger?
Encourage to stop sucking habits by the age of 3 or younger to prevent long-term problems to developing dentition.
Why is tooth wear important to examine and what advice do you give?
Young children bruxism = common
Important to establish if attrition or erosion (from diet/gastro-oesophageal reflux)
Prominent labial frenulum is a common referral for very young children:
The normal fleshy labial frenulum is occasionally pronounced with a larger base attachment to the upper lip with fibrous band to the incisive papilla. Only a concern if eruption of incisors, OH/feeding affected.
What are the clinical implications for 6-9 months?
Advice regarding tooth eruption, oral hygiene and teething
What is separation anxiety?
The fear of being away from a primary caregiver – 8 months to 5 years
Object permanence
Tantrums and clinging = act out this fear
Triggers = new situation e.g. the dentist/dental chair, starting nursery/school.
Name some types of behavioural management to use with children:
Tell-show-do: Give information - demonstrate - perform that part of the procedure
Playful humour: fun labels, turning procedures into stories
Distraction: Direct attention away from a behaviour, thought or feeling onto something else.
Positive reinforcement: Reward for a desired behaviour e.g. stickers
Modelling: Example the desired behaviour e.g. painting NaF varnish on a glove to show how to perform procedure. Siblings complete a dental exam
Shaping: Successive steps to a desired behaviour - lots of praise required
Fading: Providing external means to promote a positive behaviour and then gradually removing e.g. re- moving assistance to a situation over time
Systematic desensitisation: Gradual exposure therapy
What is the epidemiology of caries in children from 2013?
½ of 8 and 15 year olds have obvious decay
1/3 of the 5 and 12 year olds
The proportion of 12 and 15 year olds with untreated decay into dentine (DT) also reduced, from 29% to 19% in 12 year olds, and from 32% to 21% in 15 year olds compared to the previous survey in 2003.
What factors contribute to an individuals caries risk? (6)
Medical history
Plaque control
Dietary habits
Fluoride use
Clinical evidence
Social history