Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals primarily with children’s dental problems and concerns. A pediatric dentist has specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in children and teenagers. In addition to general dental training, they have additional training for pediatrics. The additional training may take several forms, such as a residency from a reputable medical school or experience working with special-needs children.
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals primarily with children’s dental problems and concerns. A pediatric dentist has specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in children and teenagers. In addition to general dental training, they have additional training for pediatrics. The additional training may take several forms, such as a residency from a reputable medical school or experience working with special-needs children.
Children start losing their baby teeth when they’re 6 or 7 years old. The transitional period between baby teeth and permanent teeth is crucial because it sets the blueprint for your child’s oral health in adulthood. If you don’t observe, identify, and treat potential problems during the transitional period, the child may develop orthodontic problems for which they’ll eventually need complex orthodontic treatments, or they may have a higher risk of dental problems.
Children don’t usually have a strong desire to maintain oral hygiene. They often avoid brushing and flossing their teeth because they can’t imagine the necessity of oral hygiene. Some children also suffer from habits that can negatively affect their oral health, such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing. Pediatric dentists are trained in child psychology, so they can inculcate positive oral hygiene habits in your children.
Many adults are scared of dentists because of bad dental experiences as children. Children can carry their fear of dentistry into adulthood, making them hesitant about seeking necessary dental treatments promptly. This can lead to a lifetime of poor oral health. Pediatric dental clinics are designed to be more welcoming, and pediatric dentists use special techniques to ensure your children enjoy the experience, fostering a positive relationship with dentistry.
Children start losing their baby teeth when they’re 6 or 7 years old. The transitional period between baby teeth and permanent teeth is crucial because it sets the blueprint for your child’s oral health in adulthood. If you don’t observe, identify, and treat potential problems during the transitional period, the child may develop orthodontic problems for which they’ll eventually need complex orthodontic treatments, or they may have a higher risk of dental problems.
Children don’t usually have a strong desire to maintain oral hygiene. They often avoid brushing and flossing their teeth because they can’t imagine the necessity of oral hygiene. Some children also suffer from habits that can negatively affect their oral health, such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing. Pediatric dentists are trained in child psychology, so they can inculcate positive oral hygiene habits in your children.
Many adults are scared of dentists because of bad dental experiences as children. Children can carry their fear of dentistry into adulthood, making them hesitant about seeking necessary dental treatments promptly. This can lead to a lifetime of poor oral health. Pediatric dental clinics are designed to be more welcoming, and pediatric dentists use special techniques to ensure your children enjoy the experience, fostering a positive relationship with dentistry.
You should schedule your child’s first dental visit when their first baby teeth start erupting at the age of 6 months. Your dentist won’t provide any treatments during the first sessions — they will simply monitor the child’s progress to ensure the baby teeth come out properly.
Pediatric dentists undergo the same training as regular dentists, but they may have undergone additional training to work with children. Pediatric dentists often have specialized training in pediatric care — they may also have some experience with child psychology and working with special-needs children.
During your child’s first visit to the dentist, they will undergo a full examination of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues. The pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth and jaws to ensure they don’t have any problems, such as cavities and signs of inflammation. The dentist may also perform teeth cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar, thus minimizing the risk of gum disease.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should start seeing the dentist when their first baby teeth erupt or when they’re one year old. After that, you should take your child to the dentist once every six months to ensure their baby teeth grow out correctly.
Your pediatric dentist may recommend your child’s first set of x-rays at the age of 2 or 3. The first x-rays will be of your child’s front upper and lower teeth.
Thumb sucking and pacifier usage can negatively affect your child’s dental alignment. It can interfere with jaw growth, leading to malocclusion or misalignment.
