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"Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides primary and comprehensive
preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence,
including those with special health care needs."

What are the key elements of this definition, that make it so unique?

� "age-defined": most specialties are procedure defined (endodontics, periodontics, etc.).
Pediatric dentists provide care for their specific age group of patients. There is no limitation to
what type of treatment they provide.
� "primary and comprehensive...care": Pediatric dentists are primary providers. There is no
need for a referral of patients. Parents can choose to have their children evaluated and treated
by a pediatric dentist just like they can choose to have their child treated by a pediatrician.
� "infants and children through adolescence": Pediatric dentists see patients at any age from
birth up to their late teens.
� "special health care needs": Pediatric dentists have the training and experience to evaluate
and treat patients, that are medically compromised. This includes patients with hemophilia,
leukemia, congenital syndromes, etc... No other dental specialty, other than OMS is more
involved in hospital care of patients.

What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?

A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush
with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least
once a day at bedtime.

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first
tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years
specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only.
Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children
through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak
clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when
they are ready to erupt.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is
swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or
gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a
very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still
sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be
recommended by your pediatric dentist.

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle.
Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to a pediatric
dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be
scheduled by your child's first birthday.

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental
problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should
visit based on their personal oral health.

Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?

Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that,
parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When
toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child
uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow
excess toothpaste after brushing.

How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?

Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of
sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask
your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth.

How do dental sealants work?

Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out
food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and
comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?

Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking
water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the
fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then your
pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.

What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?

Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from
sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a pediatric dentist will protect
your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to
the head.

What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown
rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a
glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist.

How safe are dental X-rays?

There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the
amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used
to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.

How can parents help prevent tooth decay?

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the
first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and
other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments,
when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of
healthy habits.