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Who are Pediatric Dentists?

A pediatric dentist is a specialist who only treats infants, children and adolescents.  Pediatric dentists receive two - three years of additional training, including children with special health care needs.  They will treat each age group according to its needs and work closely with other pediatric specialists in providing your child with comprehensive oral health care customized to your child's needs.

Who Visits Pediatric Dentists?

Any child can visit a pediatric dentist, including children who have special health care needs starting at birth.

Infant Visit (six months to one year)

Your child's first tooth usually appears around six months of age  When this occurs you should make an appointment with a pediatric dentist.  During your visit, the dentist will:

bulletshow you how to brush your child's teeth after each feeding and at bedtime;
bulletshow you what soft-bristled brush to use;
bullettell you about fluoride supplements;
bullettalk to you about regulating feeding habits (weaning from breast or bottle feedings and pacifier/thumb sucking habits);
bullettell you about dental injury as your child learns how to walk;
bulletdiscuss a diet that is healthy for your child's teeth;
bulletadvise you on your child's risk of getting tooth decay; and
bullettalk to you about your own dental health habits.

Child Visit (12 to 24 months)

At this time, your child should have already seen a pediatric dentist.  If not, it is highly recommended that you make an appointment with your pediatric dentist.  During your visit, the dentist will:

bullettalk to you about a schedule of exams and cleanings for your child;
bulletshow you how to start using toothpaste for your child's brush;
bullettalk to you about your child's nutrition and eating habits;
bullettalk to you about dental injuries now that your child is active;
bulletexamine your child's teeth and gums to detect any early problems; and
bulletadvise you about treatment of any problems discovered during the exam.

Information

For more information about pediatric dentist visits for your child, please e-mail us: Ask the Dentist.  Please remember that we cannot answer specific question about your child's oral health care.  Thank you.

 

Send e-mail to jmdim@buffalo.edu with questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2008 University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Pediatric and Community Dentistry
Last modified: 08/27/08

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