🧒 Key Aspects of Pediatric Dental Care:
- Early Dental Visits
- First visit recommended by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth eruption
- Establishes a dental home and builds trust early on
- Preventive Care
- Regular checkups and professional cleanings
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen developing teeth
- Dental sealants to protect molars from cavities
- Education & Guidance
- Brushing and flossing instructions tailored for parents and children
- Nutritional counseling to reduce sugar intake and promote tooth-friendly foods
- Habit counseling (thumb sucking, pacifier use)
- Early Detection & Treatment
- Monitoring for early signs of tooth decay and bite issues
- Space maintainers if a baby tooth is lost early
- Orthodontic evaluations starting around age 7
- Emergency Care
- Treatment for dental injuries such as knocked-out or chipped teeth
- Pain management and infection control
🦷 Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry:
- Prevents early tooth decay and long-term dental problems
- Creates positive dental experiences and reduces dental anxiety
- Supports healthy development of permanent teeth and jaw alignment
👶 At-Home Dental Tips for Kids:
- Use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3
- A pea-sized amount for children 3–6
- Supervise brushing until at least age 7–8
- Limit juice and sticky snacks