Pediatric dentist Dr. Dharmini
Pediatric dentist and orthodontist Dr. Dharmini Pathmanathan

Pediatric dentist Dr. Dharmini—a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry—has the highest level of training to provide dentistry for children.

Dr. Dharmini’s primary goal in dentistry for children is to provide optimal dental care for infants, children, adolescents and persons with special health care needs.  Her team always strives to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment for your children and you.

Being a parent, Dr. Dharmini, understands that your loved ones are your number one priority and will do everything possible to ensure a positive experience, every time. In doing this your child will maintain a favorable association with dental care. So many adults suffer from dental phobias stemming from their experiences as a child so we do everything we can to ensure a happy visit. We invite parents to be part of the whole experience from exam to treatment, if needed. We treat each child with respect and explain all our procedures in child friendly terms. Because each child is different and their dental needs vary we offer various behavior techniques to aid in fostering an ideal experience. On occasion we may recommend the use of “laughing gas” or sedation techniques to complete dental treatment while allowing your child to fully relax. We will be able to explain all our options if the need arises.

Dentistry For Children

American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry note that it is beneficial for the first dental visit to occur within six months of the appearance of the baby’s first tooth but not later than the child’s first birthday. At the first visit, Dr Dharmini will discuss oral hygiene and nutritional habits. We will show you how to clean your child’s teeth and recommend oral care products. For toddlers, we gently examine their teeth and gums, and if necessary will clean the child’s teeth. Your toddler can also be evaluated for habits such as prolonged thumb or finger sucking. We will cater the appointment to meet the needs of your child and your comfort as a parent.

Adolescents and Teens

This is the stage where dental habits are established and the time of transitioning from primary to permanent dentition. This is also the age when nutritional habits change with more frequent snacking and children become more independent with their oral hygiene practices. We respect their independence all the while educating them on nutritional habits in line with optimal dental health and encouraging proper oral hygiene practices. Because Dr. Dharmini is not only a pediatric dentist but also an orthodontist she will be closely monitoring growth and development at this stage and will advise you on any orthodontic concerns.

Special Needs

Dr. Dharmini’s specialty training in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics included care of children with special needs. She understands that children with special needs require additional attention. Some children with special needs are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease and/or oral trauma. Many of these children are on medications or diets that adversely affect the teeth and gums. We will work with you to establish a dental treatment program suited to your child. Dental disease is preventable, and if dental care is started early and followed faithfully, every child can enjoy a healthy smile.

Pediatric Dentist Services

  • Preventative dentistry for children
  • Sealants
  • Restorative dentistry
  • Special needs dentistry for kids
  • Pediatric sedation dentistry
  • General anesthesia
  • Sports Mouthguards
  • Orthodontics