Question: When is the time for my baby to have the first visit to the Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric Dentists are specially trained dentists capable of taking care of children's oral health, effectively.  A pediatric dentist is responsible for the oral health of a baby, like a pediatrician is responsible for its health in general.  The first visit to the pediatric dentist should take place as soon as the first tooth comes through.  During this first visit, the pediatric dentist will organize and give you a complete preventive dental program to follow; he/she will also examine the dental development of your child, will give you advice concerning its nutrition, and will inform you on how to avoid possible problems.

Question: What are the symptoms related to teething and what can I do to help my baby?

The usual symptoms that appear when the primary teeth start erupting are:

·   Red and swollen gums

·   Increased quantity of saliva (salivation)

·   Anxiety and grumbling

·   A change in nutritional habits

·   Lack of appetite

·   Difficulty in sleep

In general the symptoms that are related to the appearance of the child’s first teeth are mild.  If you observe fever, rashes, vomiting or diarrhea, you must visit your pediatrician, because something else, not related to the teeth, is happening.

In order to relieve your baby from all these discomforts you must clean its mouth 2-3 times/day with a wet gauze and give it cold objects -that are manufactured especially for this purpose- or a cold clean cloth to bite.

Question: How can I protect my child’s teeth?

The best way to protect your child’s teeth is the initiation of correct preventive measures at a young age.  These measures include the cleaning of teeth, correct diet, the use of fluoride and the frequent visits to your pediatric dentist.  Your aim is to maintain the teeth’s health until the age of 16-18 years.  If you succeed in this, your child will have healthy teeth for the rest of its life. 

Question: When should brushing of the teeth start?

We have already mentioned that the cleaning of the teeth should start as soon as the child’s first tooth appears in the mouth.  Until the end of the child's second year, a wet gauze or a thin toothbrush can clean the primary teeth at least once a day, preferably after every meal, without causing any irritations.  As the child grows, a small and soft toothbrush with a smear layer of toothpaste may be used.