Pediatric Dentistry

Dentists fulfill many important functions pertaining to the child’s overall health. They place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Other important functions include:

Education - Dentists educate the child using child-friendly terminology; thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, dentists are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.

Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay. In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb-sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.

Related Procedures

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Care for Your Child’s Teeth Dental Emergencies Dental Radiographs (X-Rays) Early Orthodontic Treatment Eruption of Your Child’s Teeth Fluoride Good Diet How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups? How to Prevent Cavities Mouth Guards Sealing Out Tooth Decay Sippy Cups What is Pulp Therapy? What’s the Best Toothpaste for my Child? Why Are Primary Teeth Important? Xylitol – Reducing Cavities

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