About Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric Dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. Our professional education includes 4 years of dental school and 2-to-3 years of specialized study that emphasizes child psychology, growth and development. Infants, preschoolers, children and adolescents each require a different approach to their changing behavior, ongoing dental growth and development and avoidance of future dental problems. The Pediatric Dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?
It is critical that the primary teeth be kept healthy until they are lost naturally. They serve several extremely important functions, including: maintaining good nutrition by permitting your child to chew properly; providing for good pronunciation and speech habits; maintaining space that will ultimately be occupied by permanent teeth; guiding the proper eruption of permanent teeth; and giving your child the self-confidence that every smiling child deserves.
When Should Your Child First See The Dentist?
The ADA recommends that your child's first visit to the dentist be either 6-months within the eruption of the first tooth or when your child turns 12-months of age, whichever occurs first. At this first visit, we will examine your child's teeth and gums, checking for decay and evaluating the effects of oral habits (thumbsucking and pacifier use, for example). Your child's teeth will be professionally cleaned and topical fluoride will be applied to aid in cavity prevention. Most importantly, however, you will learn how to properly clean and care for your child's teeth.
Please see the October 2006 issue of Parents magazine, page 150, for additional, helpful information about children and their oral hygiene.
