A pediatric dentist is a dentist who specializes in treating children. They have special training that allows them to work with young patients. Pediatric dentistry uses different techniques and tools that help them to care for children’s teeth. This is important because kids are naturally curious about the world around them. They are also easily distracted and may not always listen to their parents. Getting children to the dentist early establishes good oral habits and encourages dental care for years to come. this article explains how a pediatric dentist can help your child.
1. Establish Good Habits
One of the most important aspects of pediatric dentistry is getting your child to develop good oral health care habits. By going to the dentist from a young age, it’s something they’re going to be used to and more likely to do as they get older. Bi-annual dental visits will just be something that’s already in their routine. The dentist can also help establish good brushing and flossing techniques. Dentists that are trained in pediatric care know how to interact with children to help them feel comfortable. They can use fun things like games and free toothbrushes to demonstrate how children should be brushing and floss their teeth. This will also help them at home, realizing that brushing isn’t something they need to fight. Seeing their parents do the same thing is also very helpful. Children love to mimic, and seeing parents getting dental care and brushing their teeth makes them want to do it too. If your child has dental anxiety, often it’s if you are able to be there beside them. With a dentist that works with all ages, you’ll be able to coordinate appointments together to make sure you’re there to reassure your children.
2. Prevent Tooth Decay
Childhood cavities are becoming more and more common. This is especially troubling, as there’s a link between early childhood tooth decay and having things like gum disease and tooth loss later in life. Prevention is key. Going to the dentist teaches children techniques to learn in fighting tooth decay. Establishing oral health care habits is both good for overall dental hygiene and also for the prevention of tooth decay. Pediatric dentists can detect cavities before they get severe. With dental x-ray technology, dentists are able to view things that you or your child may not even be aware of. Quite often cavities don’t show signs or symptoms until they’re severe. It’s important to get to tooth decay early before it’s too damaging to their teeth.
Pediatric dentists educate families on their diet as well. Too many children tend to have a diet that’s high in sugar and starchy carbohydrates, leading to problems with their teeth. A diet balanced with high quality protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, they have a better chance of preventing tooth decay. Changing the diet can be beneficial for the entire family.
3. Breaking Bad Habits
Because pediatric dentists work with children on a daily basis, they’re very familiar with the common concerns of kids at a dental visit, allowing them to tailor their approach based on each patient’s specific areas of concern. Their experience with calming children helps their patients to feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair. There are several notorious bad habits among children, with thumb sucking and teeth grinding a couple of common ones. Habits like these can be hard to break, but can also harm the teeth. By teaching your child about the importance of breaking these habits in the interest of healthy teeth, a pediatric dentist may be just the push your child needs to nix them for good.
From the time their teeth erupt, it’s beneficial for your child see a dentist on a regular basis. Initiating regular dental visits at an early age helps to maintain their overall oral health, and can also set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health habits. Even if they’re going to lose most of them, children require the same standard that adults do in order to keep their teeth healthy and strong.
At Dr. Parker’s Pediatric Dentistry, it is our goal to provide specialized pediatric dentistry in a fun, child-friendly environment, teaching each child how to overcome their fears and creating not only a happy smile, but a happy patient that will enjoy visiting the dentist for a lifetime.. Call us today at (504) 831-2120 today.