The truth is that dentistry for children is as important as dentistry for adults, if not more. Most people falter when it comes to their child’s oral health, bringing them in for their first visit only when they’re considerably grown. While in fact, kids must be brought to their first dental visit once the first teeth erupt, i.e. around 6 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses the fact that the infant must have their oral health examined as soon as the first tooth erupts.
What Kind Of Dentist Oversees Dentistry For Children?
If you’ve been wondering what kind of dentist you should be taking your child to, it’s a pediatric dentist. They are similar to pediatricians who overlook the general health of your little one, except that they specialize in their oral health.
As mentioned previously, children get the first teeth between 6-8 months. By the time they turn 6 0r 7, the baby teeth start to shed and are replaced by permanent dentition. If they’re not acclimated to proper dental care, their teeth face possible decay and disease. These can cause a lifetime of complications and pain. Early dental caries seen in childhood are an infectious disease that is 7 times more common than hay fever. Additionally, these are seen in children 5 times more than asthma.
Pediatric dentists focus on the oral health of kids from their infancy all through their teenage years. They possess the qualifications and experience to look after your child’s gums, mouth, and teeth during the various stages of their childhood.
What Are The Qualifications Of A Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are similar to their general dentists except that they specialize in child care. Like their other counterparts, pediatric dentists go through four years of dental school. Additionally, to cater to dentistry for children, pediatric dentists undergo two years of residency training. This includes dental practices for infants, children, teenagers, and children with special needs.
Why Is Dentistry For Children Important?
Dental experts believe that aside from practicing good oral health at home, the key to lasting positive gum and teeth health is visiting your dentist at least twice a year. With the eruption of your child’s first tooth, soft finger brushes can be used to clean the young teeth and prevent the accumulation of bacteria. Pediatric dentists guide parents on all the separate ways to care for the little one’s teeth while they are too young to care for it themselves. Moreover, there are plenty of reasons why pediatric dentists are important when it comes to dentistry for children –
- The teeth and soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity of children are significantly different than those of an adult. Likewise, children also have separate dental needs compared to those of adults. While it may seem like a general dentist is enough to care for your child’s oral health, the precise requirements are only fulfilled by a pediatric dentist.
- Like we’ve stated in the beginning, the milk teeth can get neglected by parents because they eventually shed and are replaced by permanent teeth. However, it must be noted that the milk teeth are just as important as the adult ones. They are essential for not only eating but also speech development. If a child loses their milk teeth early because of injury or decay, it can lead to developmental issues with adult teeth. Pediatric dentists ensure that a child’s primary teeth are well taken care of via preventative and restorative measures.
- The early years and interactions of a child with their dentist set the bar of the relationship they will have with their oral health as an adult. Good experiences teach them the importance of good oral health practices and hygiene. Moreover, it also alleviates any dental anxiety they might feel if they have a good relationship with their pediatric dentist.
What Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?
- A pediatric dentist is responsible for assessing the risk of caries development in a child’s primary or permanent teeth. Dental issues can arise at a very early age in children. So young kids must visit their dentist regularly. If the dentist decides that a child is at a high risk of getting cavities, they recommend topical applications of fluoride and sealants to prevent the cavities from developing.
- Developmental dental issues like malocclusion or misaligned teeth can arise in a child’s early years. These can be predicted by the pediatric dentist during the regular examinations of the oral cavity. In these cases, the dentist will recommend preventative measures to avoid the problems of an improper bite or crooked teeth in your child’s mouth.
- Another case where a pediatric dentist might advise a preventative measure is when a child has habits that might lead to developmental/orthodontic issues. These include mouth-breathing, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, etc. These habits are usually taken care of via habit-breaking appliances.
- Little children are very prone to injuries that can lead to chipped teeth, tooth avulsion, or other dental issues. Pediatric dentists are exceptionally skilled at taking care of a child should these issues arise.
- Cavity restorations, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, etc. are some of the many treatments pediatric dentists provide.
- Pediatric dentists are experts at recognizing the oral manifestations of debilitating diseases like congenital heart disease, diabetes, allergic reactions, etc. The dentists collaborate with disorder specialists and are aware of the kinds of treatment that should be provided to kids suffering from the same.
- Additionally, a key part of a pediatric dentist’s role is providing behavioral and nutritional counseling for kids.
At Le Sueur Family Dental, we place extra importance on your child and their oral health when they visit us. Our staff is exceptionally skilled at taking care of your little ones and making them feel comfortable throughout their visit. To keep your child entertained we also have games, toys, and balloons. Plus, the gift of a free toothbrush and toothpaste ensures that the child is happy and looks forward to their future visits.
To book an appointment for your little human, call Le Sueur at (507)-665-6812 today.
