Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the practical importance of pediatric dentistry?
It is an age defined specialty that provides both primary & comprehensive preventive & therapeutic oral health care for infants & children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.
It is synonymous with dentistry for children. Pediatric dentistry exists because children have dental & orofacial problems. The genesis of dentistry for children unquestionably is allied to dental decay, pulpitis, and the inflammation and pain associated with infected pulpal tissue and suppuration in alveolar bone.
2. Why to choose a pediatric / child dentist / pedodontist for your child?
Pedodontist is the superspecialised doctor undergoing rigorous training post BDS for 3 years procuring the degree of M.D.S.(Master of Dental Surgery) in the respective specialty.
Doctors are being trained to learn & understand in depth the child psychology, behavior management & imbibing the clinical skills to deliver the quality dental treatment to the children including special ones.
Pedodontist is the only doctor who can handle any complicated case efficiently to the best of his/her knowledge which other dentists can't do.
3. What is the importance of milk teeth?
Children need their teeth to chew food properly. Milk teeth allow them to break down food into smaller pieces, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. They help maintain facial aesthetics and build confidence as children interact with others. They provide the necessary support and shape to the face, ensuring proper facial development.
By maintaining space in the jaw, milk teeth prevent overcrowding and ensure that permanent teeth grow in the right direction. These primary teeth play a vital role in speech development. They help children articulate sounds and form words correctly, enabling effective communication. Positive experiences with milk teeth and dental care can reduce anxiety about dental visits later in life.
Regular dental check-ups during childhood help establish good oral hygiene habits.
4. When to plan the first dental visit for your child?
According to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first routine dental appointment should be planned on or before the child's first birthday. It is the most precious gift you will be giving it to your child as he/she will be achieving this milestone in his/her life.
5. How many milk teeth does a child have?
A child has normally 20 milk teeth in his/her mouth.
6. Does all milk teeth shed off?
Yes. Each and every milk tooth sheds off at its predetermined time leaving exceptions. The process normally starts at around 6-8 years of age for the front teeth & continues till 12-13 years of age of the child for the canine & back teeth.
7. Which toothpaste shall we use for our child?
Age specific toothpaste is available in the market. Never ever use adult toothpaste for child as it might cause dental fluorosis.which toothpaste is recommended for your child is best decided by us after doing thorough oral examination & evaluating diet pattern.
8. Does the eyesight get affected after tooth extraction / removal?
No. The eyesight does not get affected after tooth extraction/removal. It's a myth which is not having any scientific base.
9. Is root canal treatment indicated for children?
If the clinical condition demands then it is indicated. It is a regular treatment modality done to save the tooth which is absolutely safe & well tolerated by the children.
10. After doing root canal treatment of milk tooth will it shed off normally?
Yes. Just like any other normal milk tooth the root canal treated milk tooth will also fall off on its own at the time of eruption of permanent tooth.
11. After doing cap treatment on milk tooth will it restrict the growth of milk tooth in future?
No. It won't affect the growth of the milk tooth as the size attained by the tooth after complete eruption in the mouth stays final.