Pediatric Dentistry Specialist
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Caroline Malakuti, DDS, DMD
Cosmetic Dentist & General Dentist located in Beverly Hills, CA
From infancy through adolescence, children have unique dental and oral health needs at each stage of development. To help young patients build a foundation for good oral health that lasts a lifetime, general dentist Caroline Malakuti, DDS, DMD, offers a full scope of pediatric dental services for children of all ages in the greater Los Angeles area. Call Dr. Malakuti in Beverly Hills, California, to schedule your child’s next visit, or use the easy online tool to book an appointment anytime.
Pediatric Dentistry Q & A
What’s pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry covers any general, preventive, or specialty dental service designed to meet the changing oral health needs of babies, children, and adolescents as they grow and develop. Dr. Malakuti offers comprehensive care for pediatric patients of all ages, including:
- Infant oral health evaluations
- Routine cleanings and exams
- Fluoride treatments and sealants
- Cavity prevention and fillings
- Chronic gingivitis management
- Early orthodontic assessment
Because Dr. Malakuti believes prevention is the key to optimal oral health, she offers custom mouthguards to help young athletes protect their teeth when they’re playing sports.
She also provides detailed advice on how to help your child cut back on sugary foods and beverages, or curtail undesirable oral health habits like pacifier use or thumb-sucking.
When should my baby visit the dentist?
Your baby’s first oral health exam should take place no later than six months after their first tooth erupts, which is usually around their first birthday. This is a good time for Dr. Malakuti to assess their oral development and look for any problems that may require early intervention.
One problem that Dr. Malakuti sees all too often is baby bottle tooth decay, a common condition that occurs when the sugary substances in breast milk, formula, or juice combine with saliva and pool inside your baby’s mouth. Left untreated, it can lead to premature tooth decay that affects the development of your child’s permanent teeth.
Why should my child get sealants?
When applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars and premolars, dental sealants form a long-lasting barrier that helps prevent tooth decay.
Thin, strong, and invisible, sealants are made of medical-grade plastic that effectively locks out sugar, bacteria, and plaque to protect your child’s teeth.
Dr. Malakuti typically applies sealants to molars shortly after they’ve come in, before plaque and bacteria have a chance to build up and cause decay.
Most children get their first molars (and their first sealants) around age 6. Sealants are applied to the second set molars when they erupt around age 12.
What if my child is anxious about the dentist?
Just as many adults experience a certain degree of anxiety about receiving dental care, going to the dentist can be stressful for children.
As a pediatric expert who always takes time to explain each step of treatment, Dr. Malakuti is dedicated to providing gentle, comfortable care to all her young patients.
She uses child-friendly words and concepts to help ease their fears once they’re sitting in the chair and has special tools and equipment that’s designed to fit comfortably in their smaller mouths.
To learn more about the pediatric dental services offered at Dr. Malakuti, call the office or book an appointment online today.
