Frequently Asked Questions about Pediatric Dentistry

Q. What is Pediatric Dentistry ?

. It is a surgical specialty in the dental branch of medical science wherein the dental health of infants, toddlers and teenagers is taken care of. The training of pediatric dentist is no different from a regular dentist. However they are taught different ways to make your visit to the dentist less traumatic.

Q. What is the importance of Primary Teeth ?

. It is very important to have a healthy primary teeth as cavities can often create problems in the development of the permanent teeth. The primary teeth help in

Proper chewing and eating.
Providing space for permanent teeth and guiding them to the correct position.
Allow normal development of the jaw bones & muscles.

Q. How can I prevent cavities ?

. The only way of preventing cavities in the mouth is maintaining good oral hygiene.

Always clean your mouth with a toothpick to avoid leftover particles that create cavities.
Always clean your mouth with a wet gauze to wipe out plaque from teeth and gums.
Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water.

Q. Are baby teeth prone to cavities ?

. Yes, baby teeth are prone to cavities as soon as they emerge into his/her mouth. The tooth decay happens when plaque gets spread across the teeth. It produces acid that attacks the tooth enamel. Also, if your baby's mouth is kept dry for a long time and have a lot of bacteria in the mouth, the acid will cause loss of minerals in the tooth enamel.

Q. Are stains on the child’s teeth is a sign of a cavity ?

. There are several factors due to which stains occur on the child’s teeth. They can be cavities but not all the time. It is very important for you to undergo a dental check-up wherein the stained surface is inspected and dentist determines whether your child’s teeth needs treatment or not.

Q. What should I do if my child has a toothache ?

. If your child has a toothache, you need to follow certain steps:

Clean the irritated area with warm salt water and put a cold compress on the face if there is swollen.
Give your child acetaminophen for any type of pain.
Lastly, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Q. How often a child should be taken to a pediatric dentist ?

. In order to prevent cavities and other dental problems, a dental check up in every six-months is recommended. Depending on your child oral health, the pediatric dentist will suggest you the precise check-up time.

Q. How would I know whether my child is getting enough fluoride ?

. Meet the pediatric dentist and let him evaluate the fluoride level in his/her main source of drinking water. In case your child is not getting enough fluoride, your child will be given fluoride supplements.

Q. Is thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth ?

. If thumbsucking and pacifier habits go on for a very long time, it can be harmful. However, most children stop such habits after the age of 3. If not your pediatric dentist will recommend a mouth appliance.

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