As a parent, one of your priorities is ensuring your child is healthy. This includes their oral health. But did you know your child needs a special kind of dentist?
Most go to a general dentist for their dental care. Younger patients need a specialist who’ll take care of their dental health and make the process fun. They need a pediatric dentist.
What is a pediatric dentist? This post will delve into this profession and explain its role in your child’s health.
What is the Meaning of a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist. They specialize in the oral health of infants and children. They also care for teenagers. These professionals had more training beyond dental school. The specialized training helped them understand the unique dental needs of young patients.
A childrens dentist is an expert in preventing and treating childhood dental issues. They also know how to manage dental anxiety in kids. Around 36% of Americans are afraid of dentists or getting dental treatment. This could affect their oral health and quality of life. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist can help prevent this.
A pediatric dentist will also track your child’s jaw and tooth development. They’ll also educate you on the proper oral care habits for children.
How are Pediatric Dentists Different from General Dentists?
Pediatric and general dentists are both trained to provide dental care. There are critical differences between the two professions though.
- Pediatric dentists have specialized training. They complete two to three extra years of specialized education after dental school. This training focuses on child-specific dental care and growth. They also learn about behavior management.
- They know how to approach children. They’re trained to handle their young patients’ fears and anxieties. They know how to make the dental experience comfortable and stress-free. Pediatric dentists have fun and engaging methods to make dental visits enjoyable.
- They focus on preventive care. Children are prone to cavities and dental issues. That’s why pediatric dentists emphasize preventive treatments. They recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants. They also do early orthodontic assessments
- They’re experts in special needs dentistry. Children with special healthcare needs also need specialized dental care. Pediatric dentists know how to treat children with autism, ADHD, and other conditions. They make sure these kids receive proper care in a calm environment.
When Should You Bring Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist?
Parents should bring their child to a pediatric dentist by their first birthday. You can also bring your baby to the dentist within six months after they have their first tooth.
It might seem too soon for some people but there are several good reasons for it. Early visits help identify potential dental issues. It can also prevent cavities and decay. Bringing them to the dentist at a young age establishes a routine for lifelong oral hygiene.
Many parents assume that baby teeth aren’t as important as they’ll fall out later. Healthy baby teeth have a vital role in speech development and proper chewing.
What Common Issues Do Pediatric Dentists Treat?
Pediatric dentists handle a wide range of dental concerns common in children, like:
- Tooth Decay and Cavities
Children are prone to cavities as they’re always snacking and drinking sugary drinks. Most don’t know the proper way of brushing their teeth. Pediatric dentists protect young teeth by providing fillings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.
- Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use
Sucking habits are common in babies but you should wean them from it as they grow older. Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can result in bite problems and misaligned teeth. A childrens dentist can guide you on how to break your child’s sucking habit.
- Early Orthodontic Issues
Children’s dentists track tooth and jaw development. They can identify early signs of misalignment or bite problems. They will also recommend an orthodontic evaluation if necessary.
A pediatric dentist is more than a childrens dentist. They’re specialists dedicated to children’s oral health. They provide gentle, preventive, and specialized care. The results are children with strong, healthy teeth and good dental habits.
Give Your Child a Healthy, Happy Smile
Want to give your child a bright smile? Dentistry of Orlando can help with that. We specialize in providing gentle dental care for children and teenagers. Our experienced dentists create a stress-free environment so young patients feel comfortable. We do tooth extractions, fillings, and dental cleaning. We also offer cosmetic dentistry services. Start your child’s journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles today. Contact us here to schedule an appointment. You can also call (407) 249-9292 or (407) 851-5555.
