Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is the only age defined speciality in dentistry. We provide comprehensive dental care for infants, children and adolescent, including those with special health needs. Your child has the choice to see a dentist with special experience and training. Pediatric dentists are experienced and trained to assess children's behaviours and determine which treatment approach is in the best interest of your child. Children with special healthcare needs/ very young children can be treated under sedation or general anaesthesia. Early prophylactic treatment such as pit and fissure sealants and fluoride application are very useful in preventing cavities in a child.

It is very important to monitor the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth or baby teeth are important for proper chewing and eating, providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position and permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance.

Primary or milk teeth start forming before birth. These are around 20 primary teeth and start erupting by around 6 months into the oral cavity. All the primary teeth usually appear by the age of 2. Permanent teeth start appearing by around 6yrs and continue its eruption till age of 21-25 when the wisdom teeth erupt into the oral cavity. They are around 32 in number which includes the third molars

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Tooth decay begins with dental plaque, a soft, sticky substance that builds up on your teeth. Plaque is mostly made up of bacteria, which feed on sugar from food and drink, producing acids as a waste product. The acids attack the teeth and tooth decay results. For patients who have lot of decay, the pediatric dentist may recommend extra fluoride, either as tablets or drops, or as a varnish painted onto the teeth. A pediatric dentist can also seal off the decay before it happens, by applying pit and fissure sealants on the tooth surface. Sealants are clear plastic material that is painted on the surface of the tooth. It acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay prone areas of teeth.

It is recommended to have six months visits to the pediatric dentist starting from the child's first birthday. Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health.

Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well balanced diet. The children should be advised not to eat hard candy etc. as it remains in the mouth for long time and is precarious. Regular visits to a dentist motivate the child in keeping their mouth clean. Moreover pediatric dentist are trained to handle the wide range of issues associated with your child's oral health. Your partnership with your pediatric dentist will help ensure your child healthy teeth and a confident bright beautiful smile.