It is easy to think that children do not need regularly scheduled dental care and cleanings. Ultimately, the baby teeth of young children are going to fall out and infants have almost no teeth at all. But scheduling regular dental appointments for kids is just as important as adults. The oral health of your child is directly linked to their physical health and overall well-being.
Instilling good oral hygiene habits begins early. Learning how to take good care of the mouth, teeth and gums now will make a big difference in the oral health of your child for the rest of their life.
Many dentists work with children of all ages, however a pediatric dentist has special training and education specifically tailored to working with infants, toddlers, children and adolescents. A pediatric dentist has not only completed four years of dental school but has also spent at least two years training with patients from infancy to late teens. They have also spent time studying child psychology, making them effective communicators with children of all ages. Pediatric dentists study dental issues that commonly affect children such as thumb sucking, tooth decay and cavities, fluorosis, tongue thrusting and more.
In addition to education and experience with common oral health issues in children, a pediatric dentist has spent time with a variety of patients. This means your pediatric dentist will be well versed in communicating with your child effectively. They also know lots of tricks and tips for getting even the most finicky child to complete their dental office visit. Pediatric dentists know how to talk to your child and teach them about creating good oral health habits and taking care of their mouth and teeth.
Another key skill a pediatric dentist develops is the ability to tell if your child’s jawbone and teeth are developing correctly. Early detection of orthodontic issues can help to prevent more serious issues from developing later.
A pediatric dentist is a fully certified dentist, able to perform most of the same procedures as any other dentist. They do, however, specialize in procedures that are most commonly needed for children, including:
Dental exams can provide you with valuable information about the oral health of your child. Your pediatric dentist will tell you how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong and help you to instruct your child in developing good oral hygiene habits. A dental exam will usually include cleaning, fluoride treatments, and helpful counseling about your child’s dental health.
If your child has cavities or tooth decay your pediatric dentist can perform a variety of procedures to ensure the health of your child’s teeth. These may include fillings, crowns or extractions as needed.
Your pediatric dentist can help you with any dental emergency situations that may arise. A broken or cracked tooth or serious mouth trauma are emergency situations in which you should see your pediatric dentist immediately.
Sealants are a helpful dental tool to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Sealants are applied to your child’s tooth to prevent tooth decay and may be suggested by your pediatric dentist.
The diagnosis of gingivitis or gum disease in children is an important step to preventing future oral health issues. Your pediatric dentist has specialized training to identify and treat pediatric gum disease.
Your pediatric dentist may use x-rays to evaluate the health of your child’s teeth and to determine if there is any need for orthodontic services.
It is suggested that infants have their first dentist office visit around one year of age, or about 6 months after the emergence of the first tooth. This early appointment allows your pediatric dentist to make sure your child’s new incoming teeth are developing correctly and to identify any issues as early as possible. Children should then continue to see their pediatric dentist every 6 months to ensure good oral health.
If your child is already older than one year they can still see a pediatric dentist. There is no reason to wait to take your child to a pediatric dentist who is able to answer any questions you or your child may have about their dental habits and oral health. Remember that a pediatric dentist specializes in being able to help you create an easy and effective oral care routine at home, help you to prevent cavities and tooth decay in your child, identify oral health issues early, and give information and ideas about extinguishing unwanted oral habits.
While a pediatric dentist is certified to treat all ages, including adults, they often only accept patients under the age of 18. This is because pediatric dentists have so much experience and education working with children and their dental needs.
At Dentist of Torrance, we are able to provide dentistry for your whole family! Dr. Omid and his team provide exceptional dental care and offer services for all ages which makes us a one-stop shop for all of your dental needs.
If you are looking for a positive, helpful, and modern approach to dental care for your child it is time to visit one of the incredible pediatric dentists available at Dentist of Torrance. We treat your child with respect and care and are here to answer any questions you may have about the oral health issues that may affect your child. With adult services also available, Dentist of Torrance is the right place for you and your child for all your dental health needs.
Looking for the perfect fit for your child? Call our office at (310) 651-7660 to book a consultation with one of our pediatric dentists today!
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