1. Why come to a Pediatric Dentist?
   Dental treatment of children, babies and young adults is very different from that of adults. Pediatric dentists have additional training in the management and treatment of a child's developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children's dentistry.
2. When should I take my child to the dentist?
   According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first dental visit should occur shortly after the first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s first birthday.
3. How often should my child be seen by the pediatric dentist?
   A check-up every 6 months is recommended to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
4. When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
   Start brushing as soon as the teeth start to erupt. Use non-flouridated toothpaste till the child learns how to spit out. A "smear" of toothpaste should be used for children less than 2 years of age. For children 2 -5 years of age a "pea-size"  amount of toothpaste should be used.
5. My child has a thumb/finger sucking habit, what should I do?
   Sucking is completely normal for babies and young children. Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and four years of age, but some children need the help of their parents and their pediatric dentist.
   If the habit continues after the permanent teeth have erupted, an appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist to stop the habit.
6. What are Early Childhood Caries ( ECC) ?
   ECC  was formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. Children who go to bed at night with a bottle of milk or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. The sugar in contact with the teeth making them more suspectible to cavities.
7. How can I prevent ECC?
   • Put your child to bed with a bottle of water
   • After nursing, wipe the gums /teeth with a clean cloth or gauze.
   • Teach your child to drink out of a cup at an early age.
8. What are sealants?
   Sealants are a protective coating placed on the chewing surfaces of permanent molars ( back teeth).
   They do not cover the sides of the teeth, therefore good oral hygiene and flossing is still recommended to prevent tooth decay.