The Pediatric Dentist is a specialist who after completing his/her studies in dentistry attends a postgraduate course of a duration of 24-36 months. Pediatric dentist are specially trained in techniques and methods that ensure excellent care of children with medical, physical, or mental disabilities.

Diet and Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay is a disease that begins when a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, constantly forms on teeth. After a meal, the bacteria use the sugar from food and they produce acid that attacks and weakens tooth enamel.

Frequent snacking can increase the risk of tooth decay because it increases the number of acid attacks on tooth enamel. If the child needs a snack, choose nutritious foods like fruits, cheese, sandwiches, and yogurt. Make smart choices for your children's snacks.

Keeping children's smile clean

Begin brushing your childs teeth at the age of one, at least twice a day.

The teeth of children under the age of two should be brushed with a soft bristled toothbrush and water.
Children aged from two to six years old should use a minimum amount of fluoridated toothpaste (pea-sized) and parents continue responsibility for cleaning childs teeth.
Children aged six to twelve should brush with type of toothbrush and technique recommended by dentist. Parents must brush their children teeth until the age of 8.

As soon as the child has teeth that touch, parents can begin gently to floss, this will keep the teeth clean in between. Moreover parents should change toothbrush every 3-4 months.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a trace element that strengthens teeth and protects them from decay. Two of the most common sources of fluoride are fluoridated toothpaste, fluoridated water. Children who drink bottled water, or unfluoridated tap water should take fluoride supplements prescribed by the dentist. Finally topical application of fluoride on the teeth in the dental office twice a year can contribute to decrease of dental decay by 50%.

What are Sealants?

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free. They are retained on the teeth for many years and they are used to prevent bacteria building up on the surfaces of teeth with grooves and pits.

If a primary tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty spaces thus creating a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. For this reason, your dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.

All children eventually lose their primary teeth as the permanent teeth erupt. Primary teeth encourage normal development of the jaws and also save space for permanent teeth and guide them into position

Children with Special Needs

Children with special abilities of all ages also can be treated in our Pediatric Dentistry Department. We have special means and apply special methods for their treatment

The Baby bottle syndrome

The b.b.s. appear from the age of 12 months and can lead to a massive destruction of the upper front teeth and back teeth in a very short time. The baby's teeth are at risk, if nursed continuously from a bottle, containing milk, formula or juice particularly at bedtime. In order to prevent this syndrome, infants should be weaned off a bottle at the age of one.

When should my child first see a dentist?

The first visit of your child to a dentist should be at the age of one. It includes advice on oral hygiene and the familiarization of your child with the dentist. Also bear in mind that tooth decay may appear at the age of 12 months and totally destroy teeth. How can a child have good experience visiting a dentist when having painful, decayed teeth, which may have to be extracted?