Pediatric Dentistry Mesa-

Things you should know about your child's dental needs.

Q: When should my child first see a dentist?

A: Dr. Montoya of Fiesta Kids Dental in Mesa Az replies: "this is a common question that many parents have. The short answer is: First Visit by First Birthday."

The American Academies of Pediatric Dentistry and Pediatrics recommend that children see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. Even with the latest advances in modern medicine, more than 1 in 4 children in the United States have cavities by the time they are 4 years old, sometimes as early as age 2. To prevent early childhood cavities, parents first have to find out their child's risk of developing cavities, then learn how to manage diet, hygiene and fluoride to prevent problems before they start. But cavities aren't all that parents need to learn about their child's dental health. The age 1 dental visit lets parents discuss:

• How to care for an infant's or toddler's mouth

• Oral habits, including finger and thumb sucking

• Appropriate use of fluoride for your child

• Ways to prevent oral and facial accidents and trauma

• Teething and developmental milestones

• The relationship between diet and oral health

After this first visit, the dentist will suggest a schedule of follow-up visits. The frequency of these visits should be tailored to each child's individual dental needs."

Q: What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A: Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. The pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of specialized training and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence, including those with special health needs. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is well qualified to meet these needs.

Just as Family Physicians see and treat children, General dentists do as well. The choice to take a child to a Pediatric dentist vs. a General dentist is a personal one to be made by a parent. Pediatric dentists, like Pediatricians, have specialized training in treating children. Many general dentists are great with children, however they will refer children to a pediatric dentist when they feel it is better for the child to be seen by a specialist. I often let parents know that my number one goal for their child is to cultivate a healthy attitude towards good oral health and to alleviate fears associated with dentistry. Pediatric dentists and General dentists should work closely together to provide quality dental care for children.

Sources: AAPD Reference Manual, www.Colgate.com

Dr. Stephen Montoya is an AAPD recognized Pediatric Dentist at Fiesta Kids Dental, and is located at 1303 S. Longmore, Suite 1, in Mesa, AZ.

Questions can be submitted to him at info@FiestaKidsDental.com or by calling (480) 733-5437.