Child Dentistry

Dental problems can begin at a very young age. The earlier the dental visits, the better the chance of preventing these dental problems. It is generally recommended by American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics to have your child visit the dentist within 6-12 months of the eruption of the first tooth. A big concern in this age group is “Early Childhood Caries”.Dental problems can begin at a very young age. The earlier the dental visits, the better the chance of preventing these dental problems. It is generally recommended by American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics to have your child visit the dentist within 6-12 months of the eruption of the first tooth. A big concern in this age group is “Early Childhood Caries”.

Oral health is a very important aspect to ensure a healthy future therefore oral health for children is a worthy concern regardless of child’s nationality, ethnicity or geographic location. Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. For babies, you should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby's toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.

Although largely preventable by early examination, identification of individual risk factors, parental counseling and education, and initiation of preventive care procedures such as topical fluoride application, the progressive nature of dental disease can quickly diminish the general health and quality of life for affected infants, toddlers, and children. Failure to identify and prevent dental disease has consequential and costly long-term adverse effects.

Tooth decay in children is painful, just as it is in adults. Unless arrested in its early stages, dental decay becomes irreversible. Without appropriate treatment, tooth decay will lead to infection of the teeth, gums and tooth loss. Untreated dental disease compromises the child’s ability to eat well, sleep well, and function well at home and at school. The unaesthetic nature of untreated dental decay compromises the child’s self-esteem and social development.

For all children, you should :

• Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner, if a dentist or doctor suggests it.
• Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups.