While dental care is important at every stage of life, the dental experts at Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu know that it's especially crucial for young children, whose teeth are constantly changing and developing. 

It's generally accepted in the field of pediatric dentistry that parents should bring their child to the dentist within six months after the eruption of their first tooth, or by age one. Not only will this ensure that any early tooth decay is found, but it allows for the dentist and parents to discuss other issues, such as teething, milestones of development, the effects of oral habits like thumb sucking, and more importantly, how to care for an infant or toddler’s mouth. After that initial visit, it's usually recommended that the child come back for a dental exam every six months for cleaning and care.

Naturally, as the child ages, he or she may encounter numerous dental issues. A well trained pediatric dentist will be able to offer a number of effective treatments, as well as preventative measures to ensure that problems with their teeth don't escalate. 

At every check-up, the dentist will perform the following procedures:

• Diagnostic X-Rays: X-rays are taken to determine the overall health of the teeth, and to look for signs of tumors, cysts, decay or jaw bone loss. In addition, x-rays can help the dentist determine if the teeth are growing properly or not.
• Examination of Tooth Decay: The dentist will thoroughly examine every tooth’s surface in order to find out if there are any signs of decay.
• Dental Cleaning: This entails working with a professional dental hygienist, who will clean off plaque - a sticky, invisible film composed of bacteria on the tooth’s surface. In addition, a cleaning entails the removal of any calculus, or tartar, which can only be done using special tools at the office.
• Gum Disease Evaluation & Oral Cancer Screening: Gums are checked for any signs of periodontal disease; in addition, the gums and surrounding bones are assessed for any indicators of cancer.

If any issues are found, the pediatric dentist will consult with the parents about treatment possibilities. For more information about dentistry for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages in Honolulu or Lihue, Hawaii, visit the website of Pediatric Dental Group or call (808) 593-8828.