Pediatric Dentistry
The primary focus of children’s dentistry is on children from birth through adolescence. It is the dentist’s responsibility to create a fun, friendly environment for children when they visit, and to avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” In order to prevent dental phobias from developing in childhood, it is essential that children have positive dental experiences and find their “dental home” as soon as possible.
Why Do You Need a Dentist?
Dentists perform many important functions regarding a child’s oral health and hygiene. The practice emphasizes the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which facilitate chewing habits, speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.
Among other functions, there are:
Education
Children are taught about keeping teeth strong and healthy by dentists using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology. Moreover, they provide parents with information on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of home hygiene.
Keeping track of growth
In order to anticipate dental problems and intervene before they worsen, dentists continuously track growth and development. It is also beneficial to work towards earlier corrective treatment in order to maintain the child’s self-esteem and foster a more positive self-image in the future.
Preventive measures
A healthy diet and oral care habits can reduce the risk of later tooth decay in children and their parents. As well as providing check-ups and dental cleanings, dentists can also apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on how to stop thumb sucking, using pacifiers, and smoking, as well as demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Intervention
It is possible for dentists to discuss the possibility of early oral treatment with parents in some cases. It may be necessary to use space maintainers, wear a nighttime mouth guard, or schedule reconstructive surgery if there is an oral injury, malocclusion, or bruxism.
Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about children’s dentistry.