What is a pediatric dentist? Pediatric dentists like Dr. Bhaumik and Dr. John begin as general dentists and then continue their studies for another two to three years. They dedicate their learning to specialized training in the oral health of infants, children, and teens. Each age group requires a different approach due to behavior, growth and development, and the risk of dental problems at that age group.
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.
Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive oral health care that includes the following:
- Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child
- Preventive dental care
including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations - Habit counseling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking)
- Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics)
- Repair of tooth cavities or defects
- Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
- Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenulae, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease
- Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)
