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Who is a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentist is an oral surgeon and dentist who is dedicated to the oral health of a child from infancy through the teen years. She / He has the experience to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood.

What Types of Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?

Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive oral health care that includes:
Preventive Dental Care including infant oral health examination, risk assessment for caries in mother and child, cleaning and fluoride treatments, nutrition and diet recommendations,
Habit counseling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking),
Orthodontic Services like early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite,
Tooth Repair including treatment of tooth cavities or defects,
Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder,
Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenulae, mucoceles,
Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth).

What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?

Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day.

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

In order to prevent dental problems, your child may see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears.

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

When should we begin using a toothpaste and how much should we use?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child 2 years of age and younger. For the 3-6 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist.

How can parents help prevent tooth decay?

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

FAQs on child dentistry