Dr Uma Eswara There is a perception that dentistry and fear go hand in hand. I firmly believe that fear towards dentistry starts with distressing experiences as a child. I have been practising paediatric dentistry for nearly 25 years catering to treatment needs of infants and children including those with special health care needs.
Each child poses a challenge in a unique way when they come for a dental check-up and treatment. When they go back home happily and confident enough to come back for the next appointment, it gives the utmost satisfaction as I believe I have helped a child who will not fear dentistry ever again.
I feel so happy to see many parents bringing their children just for a general check-up even when there is no problem. But the fear of dentistry increases exponentially in a child when he is in severe pain and a lot of intervention is needed.
Are you aware that care for the child’s teeth starts as early as from the time of conception? The general health of the expectant mother and, specifically her oral health, have a bearing on the developing teeth of the baby. So here is some info you can’t brush off.
For expectant mothers
- Any medical events during pregnancy, neonatal period as well as first year of birth affect the baby’s teeth as well as permanent teeth.
- Get checked and treated for gum disease and tooth decay as these can be passed on to the baby.
- Presence of gum disease can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes as preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Brush and floss every day.
- Eat healthy diet and limit intake of sweetened beverages.
- Ask your obstetrician if your calcium and Vitamin D intake needs to be increased during pregnancy.
- Ask your dentist about taking care of your baby’s teeth when they erupt.
More info –
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
- https://www.aapd.org/globalassets/media/policies_guidelines/bp_perinataloralhealthcare.pdf
- https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/TinyTeeth_ImplementationGuide_Final.pdf
- https://www.ejpd.eu/pdf/EJPD_2017_1.editorial.pdf
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-and-teeth
