Children are not miniature adults

Biggest challenge that a pediatric dentist has to face is the ever dynamic changes in a newborn and infant through childhood and adolescence. Being a pedodontist, and having to work exclusively on child patients, our foremost requirement is to be able to appreciate fully the massive difference in each and every aspect of biological and behavioural spheres between a child and an adult through adolescence. A thorough knowledge of this significant difference between the two age groups will not only help in better understanding of the patient’s present condition and its clinical significance in pediatric dentistry but will also guide a pedodontist to take age appropriate measures in treatment of an individual. The overall management of patients by a pedodontist is not just limited to the care of oral cavity but should also include the consideration of the other body systems like gastrointestinal system, renal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, muscular system, immune system, as these systems in themselves effect the treatment protocols.