Pediatrics
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years, to care for a child's teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood.
Children begin to get their baby teeth during the first 6 months of life. By age 6 or 7 years, they start to lose their first set of teeth, which eventually are replaced by secondary, permanent teeth.
Without proper dental care, children face possible oral decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications. Today, early childhood dental caries - an infectious disease, is 5 times more common in children than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever.
Why are baby teeth important?
Baby teeth are very important to your child's health and development. They help him or her chew, speak and smile. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth that are growing under the baby teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crooked or crowded. That's why starting infants off with good oral care can help protect their teeth for decades to come.
When should your child's first dental visit be?
After the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. A dental visit at an early age is best to check for cavities and other problems. The dentist can show you how to clean the child's teeth properly and how to handle habits like thumb sucking.
How to care for your child's teeth?
When teeth first come in, some babies may have sore or tender gums. Gently rubbing your child's gum with a clean finger, small cool spoon, or a wet clean cloth can be soothing. Teething ring can also help. If your child is still cranky and in pain, consult your dentist or physician.
Once you see baby teeth coming through, start brushing your child's teeth with non-fluoride toothpaste till age 3 years.
After 3 till 6 years of age, use fluoride toothpaste as big as a rice grain and brush teeth twice daily. Till 6 to 7 years of age, brush your child's teeth till they learn to do so on their own.
After 6 years of age, fluoride paste pea size can be used to clean teeth.
Don't forget to brush the tongue and massage the gums after brushing the teeth for healthy, strong teeth!