Preface

Pediatric dentistry is a crucial aspect of dentistry that deals with oral healthcare for children, ranging from infancy to adolescence. The discipline encompasses the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases, as well as the promotion of oral health and well-being in children. The importance of pediatric dentistry cannot be overstated, as it ensures that children maintain good oral hygiene habits from a young age, which sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of pediatric dentistry, focusing on several key areas. Chapter 1 discusses the concept of the "dental home," which refers to the ongoing relationship between a dentist and a child, beginning no later than the age of one. This concept ensures that children receive continuous, comprehensive oral healthcare that is tailored to their individual needs. Unfortunately, the dental home concept is often neglected in pediatric dentistry, resulting in poor oral health outcomes in children. This chapter highlights the importance of the dental home concept and its role in improving pediatric oral health.

Chapter 2 delves into the development of oral function in children, specifically focusing on a clinical study of stomatognathic dysfunction. Stomatognathic dysfunction refers to a range of disorders that affect the function of the oral cavity, including the teeth, jaws, and muscles. The chapter highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in treating stomatognathic dysfunction in children, which can have long-term implications for their oral health and overall well-being.

Chapter 3 takes a community perspective on pediatric oral health, discussing the role of community prevention in promoting good oral health in children. The chapter provides an overview of community-based interventions, such as school-based oral health programs and community water fluoridation, and their impact on pediatric oral health outcomes. The chapter emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to oral health promotion, involving dental professionals, community stakeholders, and policymakers.

Chapter 4 focuses on the effects of malnutrition on pediatric oral health. Malnutrition can have significant consequences on a child's oral health, including delayed tooth eruption, dental caries, and poor periodontal health. The chapter discusses the link between malnutrition and poor oral health outcomes in children, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition in maintaining good oral health.

Finally, Chapter 5 examines the role of metals in pediatric oral health, specifically focusing on the use of metal-based restorative materials in pediatric dentistry. The chapter provides an overview of the different types of metal restorations, their advantages and disadvantages, and their impact on pediatric oral health outcomes. The chapter also discusses the use of metal-based orthodontic appliances in children and their potential impact on oral health.

In writing this book, I have relied on a range of sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks, and clinical guidelines. I have taken care to ensure that all sources are properly cited and that the content presented in the book is accurate and current. I hope that this book will serve as a useful resource for dental professionals, students, and researchers interested in pediatric dentistry.

> **Mandeep Singh Virdi** Professor, PDM Dental College and Research Institute, Bahadurgarh, Haryana, India

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Section 1

Preventive Pediatric Dentistry

Section 1
