The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry in Costa Rica

Did you know that the number one pediatrics dental disease is tooth decay? This disease is more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Aside from infectious diseases in Costa Rica, or anywhere else for that matter, tooth decay is the most common health concern of both children and parents.

You may not think of childhood dental caries as a disease until you know the consequences. Left untreated, pediatric dental diseases can:

Cause problems with eating, speaking and learning. Tooth decay and negatively impact growth, cognitive functions and even self-esteem.

Inhibit the cognitive and social development of the child.

Affect the overall quality of life of a child as he or she grows up to be an adult.

You can help prevent childhood tooth decay (and a number of other oral health problems) just by taking your child to the dentist starting at an early age in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, it is recommended that children begin regular visits to the dentist when they are in the ages between six months and one year. Pediatric dentists can check babies to ensure that their dentition is healthy, and that their teeth are growing properly. Another advantage: children who regularly go to the dentist learn to be comfortable around dentists and have good dental habits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children who start their dental visits early in life are more likely to have a good attitude about oral health providers and dental visits as they grow older.

In Costa Rica, the Flikier Institute of Dental Rehabilitation provides a variety of pediatric dental treatments, including:

Infant oral health exams, that feature risk assessment of caries in the mother and child.

Preventive dental care, including cleaning recommendations, nutrition and diet, and fluoride treatments if they should be needed.

Management of early healthy habits; for example: proper use of pacifiers.

Early assessments and treatments to straighten teeth and correct improper bite through orthodontics.

Treatment of dental cavities or other tooth defects.

Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart disease, asthma, hay fever, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Disease management and gum conditions.

Care of dental damage such as broken, displaced or knocked out teeth.

At the Flikier Institute, our pediatric dentists have been specially trained to work with children.

While all of our general dentists work with older children, our resident expert has studied and researched dentistry as it applies exclusively to the youngest patients. All issues related to baby teeth and child dental psychology are handled by our specialist, who can truly understand how children think and feel so they can make their young patients feel comfortable and relaxed during an examination or treatment.