What is the difference between a pedodontist and a pediatric dentist?

Both treat children's teeth. A pedodontist holds an MDS degree with 3 years of postgraduate specialisation in pedodontics and preventive dentistry — making them qualified for more complex pediatric cases such as dental trauma, habit breaking, interceptive orthodontics and treating children with special needs.

When should I be concerned about my child's thumb sucking habit?

If the habit continues beyond age 4-5, it can affect jaw development and tooth alignment. Dr. Anika uses habit breaking appliances that gently discourage the habit without causing distress to the child.

Can children get interceptive orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Interceptive orthodontics between ages 7-10 can correct jaw growth issues and guide teeth into better positions before full braces are needed. Early intervention often reduces the complexity of later orthodontic treatment.

My child knocked out a tooth. What should I do?

If it is a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently with milk or saline, keep it moist, and get to the dentist within 30–60 minutes. Do not replant a knocked-out baby tooth. Call Aspen Dentals immediately for guidance.

Does Dr. Anika treat children with special needs?

Yes. Her MDS training includes managing children with physical, developmental and behavioural special needs. She adapts her approach and environment to make dental care accessible and as stress-free as possible for every child.

Meet Our Dentists At Aspen Dentals

Dr. Anika Kulshrestha

MDS Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry · Advanced Pediatric Dental Specialist

MDS Pedodontist Interceptive Orthodontics Habit Breaking Dental Trauma Special Needs Children Pulpectomy

About

About Dr. Anika Kulshrestha

Dr. Anika Kulshrestha is a postgraduate specialist in Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. Her MDS degree sets her apart from general pediatric dentists — she is trained specifically for complex children's dental cases that go beyond routine fillings and check-ups.

She handles everything from advanced pulpectomy in badly decayed teeth to interceptive orthodontics for children whose jaw growth needs early guidance. She also works with children who have physical, developmental or behavioural special needs — a patient group that requires specific training and a very different kind of patience.

Dr. Anika practises at Aspen Dentals, Gurgaon — at both the Sector 53 (South Point Mall) and Sector 65 (M3M Tee Point) clinics, 7 days a week.

MDS vs BDS — What the difference means for your child

An MDS pedodontist has completed 3 additional years of postgraduate training specifically in children's dentistry after BDS
Qualified to handle dental trauma, interceptive orthodontics, habit breaking appliances and special needs cases
Deeper understanding of jaw and facial development in children at different growth stages
Can identify orthodontic problems years before braces are needed and guide growth early

Qualifications

Education & Training

MDS — Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
BDS — Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Advanced training in interceptive orthodontics and jaw growth management
Trained in habit breaking appliances — thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing
Experienced in dental trauma management in children
Specialised in managing children with special needs

What she treats

Treatments Dr. Anika Provides

As an MDS specialist, Dr. Anika handles both routine pediatric dental care and complex cases that need postgraduate-level expertise. Click any treatment to learn more.

PulpectomyRoot canal treatment for baby teeth — saves the tooth, prevents infection spread

Interceptive OrthodonticsEarly jaw and bite correction in children aged 7–10 to reduce future braces complexity

Habit Breaking AppliancesGentle correction of thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and mouth breathing habits

Space MaintainerHolds the gap after early milk tooth loss so permanent teeth erupt correctly

Dental Fillings for KidsTreating cavities in baby and permanent teeth with tooth-coloured materials

Pit & Fissure SealantsProtective coating on back teeth — stops decay before it can start

Fluoride TreatmentEnamel strengthening to reduce cavity risk in growing children

All Kids DentistryFull range of children's dental treatments at Aspen Dentals

Emergency

Dental Trauma in Children — What to Do

Falls, sports injuries and accidents are among the most common reasons children need emergency dental care. Dr. Anika is trained in managing dental trauma and can treat your child quickly to give the best chance of saving the tooth.

⚡ Knocked-out permanent tooth — act within 60 minutes
Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline — not water. Keep it moist in milk or inside the child's cheek and get to the clinic immediately. Time is critical.

Common dental injuries Dr. Anika treats

Knocked-out teeth (avulsion) — permanent and baby teeth
Chipped or fractured teeth from falls
Teeth pushed inward or outward on impact (luxation)
Jaw injuries and soft tissue damage inside the mouth

Important: Do not try to replant a knocked-out baby tooth — this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Call us immediately and Dr. Anika will advise you on the right steps.

Questions parents ask most

Frequently Asked Questions

Both treat children's teeth. A pedodontist holds an MDS degree — 3 additional years of postgraduate specialisation in pedodontics and preventive dentistry after BDS. This makes them qualified for more complex cases such as dental trauma, habit breaking, interceptive orthodontics and treating children with special needs. Think of it the same way you would think of a general physician versus a specialist doctor.

If the habit continues beyond age 4 to 5, it can affect jaw development and tooth alignment — pushing the front teeth forward and narrowing the upper jaw. Dr. Anika uses habit breaking appliances that gently discourage the habit without causing distress to the child. The earlier this is addressed, the less correction is needed later.

Yes. Interceptive orthodontics between ages 7 and 10 can correct jaw growth problems and guide teeth into better positions while the bones are still growing. This is one of the most important advantages of seeing a specialist early — catching these issues before full braces are needed often reduces the complexity, duration and cost of later orthodontic treatment significantly.

If it is a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently with milk or saline — not tap water — keep it moist and get to the dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. Do not replant a knocked-out baby tooth. Call Aspen Dentals immediately on +91-9667775530 for step-by-step guidance while you are on the way.

Yes. Her MDS training includes managing children with physical, developmental and behavioural special needs. She adapts her approach, pace and clinical environment to make dental care as accessible and stress-free as possible for every child — including those with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and other conditions.