Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Message from the Director of the Department

We aim to produce and maintain a healthy oral cavity in children of all ages, from breast-fed babies to adolescents, through effective prevention and treatment of their dental difficulties. We institute ''Dental Clinic for Mother and Child'' the guardian of pediatric patient can receive dental treatment with own pediatric patient at the same time.

仲野道代

Director,
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Michiyo Nakano

Scope of Target Diseases

By seeking to ascertain potential difficulties early and to treat conditions that might stunt a healthy oral environment, we aim to develop important and effective approaches for preventing new difficulties from occurring. In addition, our dentists include specialists and advisers to specialists certified by the Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Their aim is to provide individualized care for their patients depending on their respective needs.
We provide care for the following diseases that can develop during infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

  • Caries and periodontal diseases
  • Traumatized teeth
  • Teeth with insufficient development (hypoplasia)
  • Impacted and congenital missing teeth
  • Malocclusion (occlusal guidance)
  • Oral care for children with genetic diseases
  • Dental treatment of children with mental or physical handicaps

Features and Description of Medical Care

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry provides various treatments for different diseases that occur in our patients from infancy through childhood to puberty. Additionally, we provide sensitive care for children with a profound sense of fear or with genetic diseases, who might require special care during dental treatment. Caries prevention from infancy is necessary to produce and maintain a healthy oral condition; thereby oral hygiene instruction for parents is also emphasized. Furthermore, analyses of Streptococcus mutans and periodontal bacteria harbored in saliva and dental plaque are conducted to gather scientific information that is expected to be useful for future prevention strategies. After treatments are completed, regular checkups are continued until puberty for the early detection and treatment of new caries and periodontal disease. Diagnostic evaluation of malocclusion is also performed during periods of growth and development. When necessary, consultation with other departments at Okayama University Hospital is done to provide the best care for our patients.

For outpatient visits

Our goal is to provide effective dental treatment based on an individualized treatment plan for patients with various difficulties that can develop from infancy and continue childhood to puberty such as caries and periodontal diseases. Additionally, we respond sensitively to children who cannot be treated sufficiently at other dental clinics because of mental and physical handicaps or anxiety about dental treatment.