Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is a vision before being a dental office. We simply strive to see each child we treat smile. By spreading smiles that are healthy, individually beautiful yet a universal language that everyone understands, we aim to help children view dentistry as a comfortable, highly important part of their health.
We believe in helping children avoid the various discomforts caused by oral disease. Studies have found dental disease to be the most common chronic disease of childhood and one of the leading causes of school absences. (reference 1) Research shows that approximately 60% of children are diagnosed with caries or dental decay by age five. (reference 2) Prevention of these possible problems requires two important aspects: 1 - Establishing a 'Dental Home', and 2 - an early dental evaluation.
1 - Establishing a 'Dental Home' for your child.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy in the nineties defining the 'medical home'. This concept means finding a health care facility that delivers comprehensive, continuously accessible, family centered, coordinated, compassionate care to your family. (reference 3) Health care provided to patients in a 'home' environment is not only more effective but less costly in comparison to emergency facilities. The 'dental home' was adopted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in 2001. (reference 4) A dental home not only provides comprehensive oral care but also creates an individualized preventive plan based upon careful assessment of your child's special needs.
2 - An early dental evaluation.
The AAPD encourages parents to help their child establish a dental home by the time the first tooth erupts and no later than 12 months of age. (reference 5) Early evaluation is the key to avoiding dental disease. By educating families about the disease process and how to avoid or stop it, we are moving on to a new age in dentistry. We are no longer treating the manifestation of dental disease (caries or dental decay), We are now taking on a 'medical approach' to dentistry by controlling the cause of the disease (the bacteria). (reference 6)
To help you understand the cycle of dental disease and how it starts, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
