Preventing dental decay in children.
Dentists aren’t easy to choose for families. Family dentists take care of all your family members at once, so some parents prefer them. Family dentists can be a good choice in many cases, but pediatric dentists are more appropriate in some circumstances.
In pediatric dentistry, from infants and children to adolescents with special needs, oral health is taken care of, from birth until they are adults.
Discover how pediatric dentists differ from general dentists, and what services are offered by pediatric dentistry for children.
Who are Pediatric Dentists?
Dental care for children from infancy through the teenage years is the responsibility of pediatric dentists. Throughout a child’s childhood, they can provide a child with quality dental care, including a variety of procedures pertaining to dental care and oral health.
Pediatric Dentists vs Generic Dentist
The specialization of dentists is similar to that of physicians. A few specialize in root canals, others focus exclusively on gum problems, and others choose to work with children. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating babies, kids, and teenagers’ teeth. Many kids don’t have the patience to deal with a typical dentist, and not every licensed dentist has the patience to deal with kids.
The pediatric dentists intentionally invest time and effort in becoming an expert in children’s dental needs. Children’s dentists are both educators and practitioners, which means that they have extra training beyond dental school to strengthen their expertise in developmental and emotional issues.
Children Should Get Pediatric Dental Care
Throughout childhood, child and adolescent dental care should be provided to every child, regardless of physical or mental disabilities. Preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral illnesses with regular pediatric dental care is the best means of keeping children’s teeth healthy. Every six months, your pediatric dentist may recommend routine dental cleaning and exam as part of routine dental care for your child.
What Does A Pediatric Dentist Do?
Children’s dentistry includes routine dental checkups and treatments they need to maintain good oral health. Treatment options include:
- Brace applications
- X-Rays
- Sealants filling
- Fluoride Treatments
- Routine Check-ups
- Fillings
If you have questions or concerns regarding the dental health of your children, you should visit a pediatric dentist nearby.
When Should I Take My Child To See A Pediatric Dentist?
You may consider referring your child to a pediatric dentist if they have the following symptoms or conditions in addition to regular dental exams:
- Gums that are bleeding
- Breathing badly or feeling dry
- Having discolored or crooked teeth
- Loss of teeth or delayed eruption of teeth in babies
- Pain when chewing or sensitivity to hot or cold liquids
- The smile, gums, lips, and tongue are all showing signs of change
The gums or other oral tissues may swell when there is a pain in the tooth, mouth, or jaw
Children and adolescents may be at risk of dental problems if they play contact sports, snack frequently between meals (a risk factor for cavities), smoke, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
Why Early Childhood Dental Visits Are Important.
Regular dental checkups will keep children’s teeth healthy for life if they begin as early as possible. Getting checkups and cleanings at an early age prevents cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to painful problems, trouble concentrating, and other health problems. When young children have healthy teeth, they chew food easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently.
Educating families about their diet is also an important aspect of pediatric dentistry in preventing dental decay. Diets high in sugar are common among children, which can lead to tooth decay. Diets that include fruits and vegetables, with less added sugar, reduce the risk of tooth decay. Diet changes for the whole family can be beneficial.
At RiteSmile Dental we can help your children undergo regular dental checkups and advisory on keeping their teeth in the best state. Ask our expertise to guide you and channelize your kid’s oral health and we will be on our toes to offer dedicated treatments for your kids’ specific oral requirements. Contact us for scheduling an appointment for your child right now and track his/her oral health to ensure he remains free from unwanted toothaches and oral diseases. Let their childhood be smiling and playful.