Introduction

Pediatric dentistry specializes in/takes care of the oral health of infant, children and adolescent. This dentistry also treats children with special needs, who are physically and mentally challenged. This branch of dentistry studies child growth, psychology and development. Such dentists take care of wide variety of dental problems of children e.g. cavity, tooth decay, malocclusion, emergency care, crooked teeth etc.

When should a child first visit the dentist?

• First Dental Appointments: Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Our first dental appointments are quick, gentle, and designed to be a positive experience.
• Regular Exams & Cleanings : From young children to teenagers, we’re there every step of the way. We encourage regular appointments and also teach brushing and flossing techniques for your child’s sensitive teeth. We monitor teeth for alignment, decay, and other issues at every stage of development.
• Restorative Care: While we aim to prevent cavities and disease, we’re ready to help fix problems as quickly and comfortably as possible. If your child loses a baby or adult tooth, we can take a look and provide guidance on whether a restoration is needed.
• Integrated & Custom Care: All kids are one-of-a-kind. We’ll work with you to ensure they get the specialized care they need. We can consult with your child’s pediatrician if needed or work with you to tackle challenges like stopping thumb-sucking.

How many visits are recommended?

According to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry the child should be brought twice a year to the dental clinic .The visits may vary if the child has tooth decay, bad oral hygiene, and unusual teeth growth.

How important are baby teeth?

Baby teeth are not permanent but they are very important. They help the child to crew food, smile properly and speak clearly. Baby teeth hold the space for permanent teeth. If child looses teeth at an early age because of decay/ damage the nearby teeth can encroach that free space which can result in misplaced/crooked permanent teeth.

How to clean baby teeth?

For an infant a soft cloth should be used to clean his/her gums after every feed. Once the child has one tooth a soft tooth brush can be used.

What is the right time to use a tooth paste?

Once the child develops a few teeth, tooth paste can be used. Tooth paste with fluoride is not recommended for children below 2 years because children have a habit of swallowing paste and taking in excess of fluoride can cause staining of teeth .Parents should brush the teeth of their children till the time they do that independently. Children should rinse their mouth thou rally after brushing.