Why Pediatric Dentists Are Preferable for Your Child’s Dental Health

A misconception exists in most people that dentists are dentists and teeth are teeth without realizing children have different dental needs than adults. Dentists are undoubtedly dentists, but some specialize in pediatric dentistry, catering exclusively to children’s needs from infancy until adolescence. These specialists are your child’s best friend, helping them develop excellent dental hygiene habits throughout their lives.

The sooner parents understand pediatric dentists can care for their children, the better it will be for them to provide appropriate care for the child’s dental health. The earlier children get regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths remain throughout their lives. Early dental checkups help prevent tooth decay and cavities resulting in pain, trouble concentrating, and various other medical issues. Pediatric dental health checkups ensure children have healthy teeth to chew food comfortably, smile with confidence, and do not have any speech impediments.

When Should Parents Take Their Child for Their First Dental Checkup?

The American Academy of pediatrics and the ADA both recommend all children must visit a dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges or by age one. The well-baby visit teaches parents the importance of pediatric dental care and helps children remain free from cavities.

For example, the pediatric clinic in Colombia, SC, examine many young patients with cavities resulting from falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The pediatric dentist instructs parents on why the child has developed holes, the significance of encouraging children to drink milk, juices, and water from a cup as they approach their first birthday, and how to brush baby teeth.

Dr. Amy Ellis Green encourages mothers to stop giving in to the child’s nighttime breastfeeding demands from the time the child’s first tooth emerges.

What Is the Significance of Visiting a Pediatric Dentist?

In America, the most familiar chronic condition affecting children is tooth decay. Approximately 40 percent of all children have tooth decay before they reach kindergarten, states the CDC. The problem is worse in some cities where roughly 60 percent of school-age children are affected by preventable tooth decay, and more than 20 percent of children have at least cavities on seven teeth.

Parents may believe their family dentist can handle all the child’s needs as required. Family dentists are treating patients of all ages, including children. However, they haven’t specialized in pediatric dentistry or acquired the additional training and qualifications needed to manage children gently and effectively.

The kid’s dentist near me is a specialist with adequate knowledge on how to manage children appropriately without scaring them or even talking to them harshly. As specialists in pediatric dentistry, they invest in a kid-friendly dental practice with colorful murals and audiovisual equipment. They include playtime activities to ensure children’s dental visits are fun and different from regular dental practices.

Pediatric dental specialists like Dr. Ellis, Green, and Jenkins also invest in specialized tools for treating children and spend time with them explaining every dental procedure. These doctors ensure children are comfortable visiting the dental practice and do not create a stir when any treatments are provided.

Parents are encouraged by the practice to remain by the child’s side or even have the child sit in their lap on the dentist’s chair. Children are rewarded by the dentists when they cooperate with them when undergoing any dental treatment.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay or Cavities in Children’s Mouths?

Pediatric dentists provide advice to parents on how they can prevent tooth decay and cavities in children’s mouths. They encourage parents to teach the child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once, and bring them in for six-monthly dental exams and checkups without fail.

Pediatric dentists also provide children with preventive care offering fluoride treatments to strengthen their enamel and dental sealants on their molars to prevent food particles and debris from trapping between their back teeth. If children need orthodontic treatments for crooked or misaligned teeth, pediatric dentists can detect the problem early to provide a referral to an orthodontist for corrective treatments.

This article should confirm all dentists are not similar and specialists like pediatric dentists are different. All teeth are also not the same because children’s teeth have different needs. It is why pediatric dentists are preferable for children than the general dentist.