Pediatric dentistry is a dentistry division specializing in dental care and treatment for children from infancy until adolescence. The primary aim of pediatric dentistry is to help children maintain excellent oral health as they move into adulthood.
Pediatric dentistry provides children with preventive dental care by identifying and treating oral conditions and helping children develop good oral hygiene practices. This article explains what to expect from a pediatric dentist and how they can help set up your child for a lifetime of healthy teeth and smiles.
Pediatric Dentistry Explained
The division of dentistry focuses on caring for children from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric dentists receive special training to ensure they are qualified to work with children of all ages. The professionals understand children’s unique needs and have the knowledge to manage all issues affecting teething children to teenagers with braces.
The primary goal of pediatric dentistry is to help children maintain good oral health throughout their lives. It involves providing them with preventive care, identifying and treating dental infections and conditions, and assisting children to develop good dental hygiene habits. In addition, pediatric dentists focus on ensuring your child’s teeth are healthy and robust to last a lifetime.
Why do Children Need Dental Care?
Children need to visit dentists frequently, like adults, to detect problems with their teeth and gums and receive treatment early if any conditions affect them. Therefore you must take your child to
pediatric dentistry near you because the professionals receive training to spot the problem and provide the necessary treatment to prevent the issues from aggravating.
Besides identifying and treating oral health problems, pediatric dentists also provide preventive care. For example, they help children develop good oral hygiene habits lasting for a lifetime. It includes teaching them how to brush and floss and the foods to eat and avoid for optimal dental health.
What to Expect from a Pediatric Dentist As a Parent?
When you take your child for a routine exam to the
dentist In Oak Lawn, IL, expect the professional to treat your child with compassion and understanding. Pediatric dentists are knowledgeable in working with children and will ensure your child is comfortable and relaxed during their appointment.
During your meeting, the Oaklawn dentist will take your child’s medical and dental history before examining their mouth, teeth, and gums and take x-rays if necessary.
Depending on the exam’s findings, the pediatric dentist creates a treatment plan by including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns if necessary, and other remedies. They will also provide you with instructions on home care for your child’s teeth to ensure your child has optimal dental health.
Familiar Childhood Dental Issues
Many familiar childhood dental issues can affect your child. They include dental caries, gum disease, and malocclusion.
- Dental Caries: Dental caries or cavities are a common problem that affects children. Cavities occur when plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth to cause enamel erosion. Cavities are painful when left untreated and can lead to severe problems.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is another familiar childhood dental issue. It occurs when plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and break down the enamel. Tooth decay causes similar problems like cavities if left untreated.
- Gum Disease: an infection of the gums causing redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing and flossing indicates your child has gum disease. Gum disease results in severe problems unless treated early.
- Malocclusion: malocclusion is a problem where the teeth are not correctly aligned. It can result from genetics, thumb-sucking, or other habits. Malocclusion can cause multiple issues in your child’s mouth, affecting their eating, brushing, flossing, and their smile if left untreated.
Inhibiting Childhood Dental Issues
The optimal way to inhibit childhood dental problems is to practice dental hygiene starting from the development of the child’s first tooth. You must use a child-size soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning your child’s teeth until they are two years explains the American Academy of family physicians. You can also take them to dentist 60543 for examinations and preventive care, besides learning from the dentist about caring for your child’s teeth and gums to ensure they do not develop dental issues at an early age.
If you think your regular dentist can manage your child, you will find it surprising when they refer you to a pediatric dentist because they do not have the skills or experience to deal with children. Therefore if you want the best for your child’s dental health, it helps if you take them to
Family Dental Care — Oak Lawn, where dentists with specialized training will deal with your child compassionately and comfortably. Your child will also enjoy dental visits and look forward to repeat appointments because they will love the environment of the dental office and the caring staff looking after them during their meeting.
