Why See a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist offers dental treatments for children of all age groups. Choosing one for your children can be the best decision for their oral care.
Here are the reasons why you should see a pediatric dentist.
Specialized Training
Pediatric dentists undertake special training to treat dental problems in children. The training is in addition to their standard dental school qualification. They not only learn to recognize early signs of oral problems; they also receive training to care for children’s gums and developing teeth.
They also receive training to alleviate the fear of children and help them feel comfortable. It is not easy to treat dental problems in children. They are more frightened than adults when it comes to dental treatments. Pediatric dentists know how to communicate with children to make them feel comfortable.
Pediatric dentists also have child-friendly clinical setups. Their clinic décor is such that it is comforting for children. The waiting area at pediatric dentists’ clinics will be child-friendly and safe.
Early Detection of Problems
Developing teeth can cause many problems. The way a child’s teeth are developing can give indications to the pediatric dentist about the future problems that can occur. It is important to take measures to prevent these problems or at least minimize the extent of the damage.
Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth) and malocclusion (misaligned teeth causing bad bite) are dental problems that need immediate attention. Jaw irregularities can also cause misaligned teeth and discomfort. But your pediatric dentist can use technology such as X-rays and computer modeling to detect such problems before they occur or cause extensive damage.
If your child’s teeth are misaligned or crooked; the pediatric dentist can recommend the use of braces in a timely fashion. There are innovative measures such as Invisalign also available now to straighten crooked teeth. It involves the use of invisible aligners as opposed to uncomfortable wires.
Early detection of dental problems can be extremely beneficial for children. Early detection equals timely treatment. Your children can have beautiful and healthy teeth throughout their life with the help of their pediatric dentist.
Preventive Treatments
Dental problems are very common in children. Their fondness for sweets and sugary drinks makes their teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. But these are problems, which can be prevented with the help of the expert guidance of your pediatric dentist. The pediatric dentist can also undertake preventive measures such as the application of sealant or fluoride paste to minimize the damage. Tooth decay in early childhood can affect the proper growth of permanent teeth. Tooth decay can damage dental roots and cause serious oral problems.
Even bottle feeding can cause tooth decay. Pediatric dentists can help you by offering preventive measures to avoid such problems from occurring in the first place. The pediatric dentist should see your child as the first baby teeth begin to show. Thereafter, the dentist can recommend the best schedule for routine visits.
Emergency Services
Pediatric dentists can tend to the needs of your child during dental emergencies. Injuries and falls can break the teeth and cause lip or tongue bites. Delay in receiving treatments can lead to blood loss.
The dentist will also need to see broken or chipped tooth immediately to assess the damage to the dental roots and gums. If the teeth can be salvaged; the dentist will ensure that it is done without delay.
Education
A major part of a pediatric dentist’s job also involves educating the parents and the children. They are likely to offer helpful suggestions to take care of emergency dental situations until you can reach the dentist’s clinic. Parents can ask the dentist questions about any concerns they have about their child’s oral health. For instance, many kids tend to suck their thumb or fingers. Your dentist can guide you to use measures to let go of these habits.
Your pediatric dentist will also have information regarding the new innovations in the field of pediatric dentistry. They will be able to offer you helpful recommendations to prevent dental problems in children. For instance, fluoride treatments are helpful for protecting tooth decay in children. They will also guide you about the best toothpaste and toothbrush to use for your children.