The Pediatric Dentist
The pediatric dentist is the specialist who is dedicated to the oral health
of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens,
and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior,
guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future
dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these
needs. Pediatric dentists have had special training, which allows them
to provide the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for a wide variety
of children's dental problems. They are trained and qualified to treat
special patients who may have emotional, physical, or mental handicaps.
Because of this specialized training and commitment to comprehensive oral
health, many parents wisely choose a pediatric dentist to treat their
children.
Total Health Care
The pediatric dentist is concerned about a child's total health care and
good oral health is an important part of total health. To help your child
stay totally healthy, the pediatric dentist often works with pediatricians,
other physicians, and other dental specialists. Normal children as well
as hospitalized, handicapped, and chronically ill children often are served
best through this team approach -- the pediatric dentist is an important
part of the child's health team.
Children
Children are a precious gift. An early start in regular dental care is
an important step on the road to total health. Pediatric dentists recommend
that children begin routine dental visits by age one so that any problems
may be detected, treated early, or even avoided completely.
Teens
As children become teenagers, their attitude toward dental care may change.
Their appearance and self-image are very important to them; decayed teeth
or poorly positioned teeth or jaws make them very self-conscious. Teens
also eat frequently and snack foods tend to become a major part of their
regular diet. Pediatric dentists are taught techniques to manage the special
problems of teens. Techniques to deal with behavior, to restore and guide
teeth, and to teach preventive dental health care are designed with the
teen in mind. When your pediatric dentist has followed your child from
early youth into the teen years, he/she can subtly change the approach
to the child's own special needs in a sensitive, caring, and professional
manner.
Q:
When should my child first see a dentist?
A: "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit
a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six
and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect
your child's smile now and in the future.
Q: Why so early? What
dental problems could a baby have?
A: The most important reason is a practical prevention program. Dental
problems can begin early. A big concern is nursing or baby bottle tooth
decay. Your baby risks severe decay when he or she nurses continuously
from the breast or from a bottle of milk, formula, or juice during naps
or at night. Another concern is gum disease. Recent studies show nearly
half of all children aged two and three have at least mild inflammation
of gum tissues. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of
preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily,
learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now
on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Q: How can I prevent tooth
decay from nursing or a bottle?
A: Don't nurse your child to sleep or put your baby to bed with a bottle
of milk, formula, juice, or sweetened liquid. Use only water in the bottle,
or give your baby a pacifier. Check with your pediatric dentist to make
sure your child is getting enough fluoride for decay protection. Lastly,
learn how to brush and floss your child's teeth.
Q: When should bottle
or breast feeding be stopped?
A: To assure good dental health, infants should be weaned from a bottle
or nursing at one year of age.
Q: Should I worry about
thumb or finger sucking?
A: Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants: most stop by age two.
If your child doesn't, discourage it after age four. Prolonged thumb sucking
can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist
will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb-sucking habit.
Q: When should I start
cleaning my baby's teeth?
A: The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your baby's gums with
a clean damp wash cloth. Use a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste if your
pediatric dentist advises fluoride protection. Later, brush your child's
teeth with fluoride toothpaste and small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember
that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth
effectively.
Q: Any advice on teething?
A: From six months to age three, your child may have sore gums when teeth
erupt. Many babies like a clean teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet
wash cloth. Some parents swear by a chilled teething ring: others simply
rub the baby's gums with a clean finger.
