Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive oral health care for children that includes the following:

• Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child
• Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations
• Habit counselling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking)
• Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics)
• Repair of tooth cavities or defects
• Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
• Management of gum diseases and conditions
• Tongue ties
• Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)

Paediatric dentistry includes all areas of adult dentistry that may be applied to children. Pediatric dentistry is the art of behaviour guidance and management in children. The overall goal is to deliver quality, safe dental care in an environment that is as pleasant as possible for children and promotes a positive attitude toward oral health and future dental care. Behaviour guidance is a skill that requires practice, self-reflection, and effort to improve, which pediatric dentists are trained for.

As children grow, their dental needs change and evolve, making the role of pediatric dentists even more crucial in maintaining oral health. In addition to providing basic dental care, such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and cavity prevention, these specialists focus on early orthodontic evaluations and interventions. By identifying and addressing potential issues early on, pediatric dentists can guide the growth and development of a child’s teeth and jaws, minimizing the need for extensive orthodontic work later in life.

One of the most rewarding aspects of paediatric dentistry is the ability to create a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. Educating children and their parents about proper brushing and flossing techniques and the importance of a healthy diet can prevent many dental issues. By making dental visits enjoyable and stress-free, a specialist paediatric dentist fosters a positive attitude toward oral care that can last a lifetime, ultimately promoting overall health and well-being.

Every 6 months is the usual routine to visit a dentist for a professional check-up and possibly clean and Fluoride therapy. However, if there is trauma to teeth or any concerns, they should come for a check-up and early assessment.

Tooth decay is reversible if detected very early and is still very superficial ( limited to the enamel of the tooth) mostly in the interdental areas. Parents need to be aware and oral hygiene needs to improve. diet needs to be modified and agents such as Tooth mousse are used to deliver calcium and phosphate into the teeth to help stop the progression. Regular follow-ups are mandatory.

When decay starts, it’s very difficult to prevent progression, it will continue to progress until the enamel is undermined and weak and it breaks, now a cavity is visible in the tooth, food impaction and pain after eating will follow, also sensitivity and pain to cold and sweet drinks and food. As decay further progresses the nerve will be reached and constant pain and nighttime pain will happen which is quite disturbing for the child and parents. ultimately the nerve dies and abscess and facial swelling and more pain will follow until treatment is sought.

Yes, it all depends on the child’s age and the extent of treatment required.
The treatment options vary from simple fillings to pulpotomies( limited nerve treatments), pulpectomies( full nerve treatment), various crowns available and extractions if the tooth is not restorable and space maintainers to maintain the space for future erupting adult teeth. Treatment can be provided in the dental chair with or without happy gas and at the hospital under general anesthetic as a last resort.

baby teeth are more prone to decay because they have a thinner layer of enamel compared to adult teeth. enamel is the hard shell protecting the teeth. Interdental contacts in baby teeth are more broad compared to adult teeth so if no flossing is performed then plaque will remain in between teeth and will decay them very quickly. Controlling the diet is more difficult in kids and they are the most frequent snackers, this can also compromise the teeth further. Maintaining good oral hygiene and often flossing is difficult in kids, they need supervision at least until the age of 8.

Every 6 months if there are no concerns or issues after the first dental visit.
if any concerns or after trauma to teeth then more frequent checkups will be required which your dentist will inform you of.