A pediatric dentist is skilled medical personnel who deals with oral healthcare. These dentist study for four years like other dentists but proceed for an additional three years to learn how to handle child dental problems. They also learn about psychology during this period and how to make children comfortable during interactions.
Pediatric dentists mainly treat cavity cleanings, filings, and gum disease treatment. These dentists also educate patients and parents about hygiene. These dentists treat people in all age brackets, primarily children below eighteen.
However, they continue to tend to patients with special needs even after they exceed eighteen years. Below we discuss everything you need to know about pediatric dentistry.
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Your young one’s oral health is essential for their general well-being. Research has shown that over 30% of children aged between 6 and ten years have dental carries. Even though dealing with cavities is challenging, you should visit a dentist to minimize the pain.
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that solves dental issues among children. Looking after your child’s teeth is essential during the early years. The most common treatments offered in pediatric dentistry include;
- Dental health exams for children
- Fix tooth defects and cavities
- Spot health conditions like hyperactivity early.
Why you Should Look After Your Childs’s Teeth
Looking after your child’s teeth might seem manageable, but most parents ignore it. This is because most children run away when it is time to clean their teeth. Developing and implementing your child’s dental care is in the guardian’s hands, and they should purchase the right tools for the best results.
Many fancy toothbrushes are available in the market and are fancied by most children. However, parents should ensure the brush has soft bristles to prevent oral harm. Using fluoride toothpaste is also important because it eliminates any plaque buildup.
Below we discuss why you should look after your child’s teeth;
- Cavities Cause Damage
Cavities can form in your child’s mouth in less than five months, and the best way to avoid them is by taking the child to a dentist often. This cavity can cause more harm because baby teeth are soft, and the hole can reach the nerve.
Tooth decay is another common problem among children, but frequent visits to the dentist can eradicate it. Parents should schedule dental visits every six months to keep the baby’s smile bright.
- Flossing Increases the Child’s Lifespan
Flossing twice a day significantly benefits and extends the child’s life expectancy. The child should start flossing as soon as their teeth become adjacent.
Flossing is healthy for the heart because it eliminates bacteria from the mouth, thus preventing inflammation.
- Improves the Child’s Confidence
Having physically healthy children is unimportant, as they should also be emotionally healthy. Children who are comfortable with their teeth are more likely to expose the meaning they are likely to smile.
Children who smile often live longer lives than others, while those with yellow teeth lack confidence among their peers.
- Prevents Issues Later
Getting your child’s teeth in order at a young age is essential, as it prevents issues later in life. Taking your children for dental checkups is necessary and gives them healthy oral health from a young age.
The child embraces teeth brushing more and can carry this activity with minimal supervision.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Pediatric Dentist
Finding a pediatric dentist who will give your child a healthy smile is essential. The dentist will interact with your child to support them and help them become more familiar with their past. Therefore, it is crucial to consider several things to make a more informed decision.
Below we discuss the top factors to consider before hiring a pediatric dentist.
- Experience
Experience is the main thing to consider before hiring a pediatric dentist. Parents should ensure these individuals have completed school and have the proper operational license. The dentist’s training should also entail pediatric dentistry, provided at dental schools.
It is also advisable to consider whether the dentist is a registered member of the AAPD and ADA. Dentists in these categories are well-educated and are familiar with the latest improvements in the dental world.
You are also advised to enquire about the years they have practiced dentistry to ensure they are the right fit for you. Even though a recently graduated dentist can get the job done, you are better placed working with an experienced one.
- Friendly
Most children fear visiting a dentist because of fear. Recent research has proven that over 50% of children between 10- and 13 years experience dental anxiety. To avoid this issue, you should work with a friendly dentist.
Good dentists acknowledge the child’s fears and explain the ongoing procedures using simple words. This way, the child knows what to expect.
- Welcoming
Your child’s dentist and the team should work in a welcoming, soothing environment. The dentist should train his team on handling anxious children and treating them with patience and empathy.
Avoid working with intimidating dentists because they make the child fear, making treatment hard. Parents should set appointments between the child and his preferred candidates first to see how the child reacts around them.
- Gentle
Your child’s dentist should create an excellent first impression to establish a positive experience. Such dentists should be gentle and praise cooperative behaviors. This way, the child feels more comfortable and can counter any experiences they experience.
- Helpful
Among the jobs of a pediatric dentist is to address patient concerns and answer all questions. The right dentist should be quick to share important information regarding oral hygiene and how to create healthy habits. These individuals should also openly show their interest in the child.
Good pediatric dentists should also be convenient because children’s problems arise anytime.
Final Thoughts
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry and has become increasingly widespread. Individuals in this branch go through the normal four years and an additional two years.
The above article has discussed everything you need to know about pediatric dentistry, and more information is available online.
