What Are Pediatric Dentists Called? Why Do They Matter?

As parents, we all know the importance of taking care of our children's teeth. But did you know that regular dental checkups should start as early as age one? 

This is where pediatric dentists come in! These specialized dental professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the oral health and overall well-being of our little ones. 

In this blog post, we'll explore who pediatric dentists are and why their expertise matters when it comes to your child's dental health. 

So buckle up and get ready to learn why these superheroes in lab coats deserve a standing ovation!

What is Pediatric Dentistry?

From infancy through adolescence, paediatric dentists are committed to the oral health of children. They have the training and knowledge necessary to take care of a child's teeth, gums, and mouth throughout all of childhood.

Baby teeth start to erupt in children throughout the first six months of life. They begin to lose their primary set of teeth at the age of 6 or 7, and these teeth are eventually replaced by secondary, permanent teeth.

Without proper dental care, children may develop oral diseases and decay that could result in discomfort and issues for the rest of their lives. 

An infectious condition called early childhood dental caries is 5 times more common in kids than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. 

Twenty percent of kids between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decaying tooth.

Some standard services provided by a pediatric dentist include:

Oral health exams: 

Pediatric dentists evaluate children's overall oral health, including checking for any cavities, gum disease, or other issues.

Preventive dental care: 

This includes treatments such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and regular cleanings to help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Restorative dental treatments: 

Pediatric dentists offer restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, and root canals to repair teeth that have been damaged due to decay, injury, or other reasons.

Orthodontic evaluations: 

Pediatric dentists can identify and monitor children's dental development to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary, such as braces or other devices.

Behaviour management techniques: 

Pediatric dentists use various techniques to help children feel comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), sedation, and other behaviour management techniques.

Emergency dental care: 

Pediatric dentists provide emergency dental services for children who experience dental trauma, toothaches, or other urgent dental problems.

Oral health education: 

Pediatric dentists educate children and their parents about proper dental hygiene practices, nutrition, and other ways to maintain good oral health.

Why Do Children Need Specialized Dental Care?

Even if these dental-related health problems are persuasive, some parents might still be perplexed as to why baby teeth are necessary given that permanent teeth would eventually replace them. 

However, even when they are all lost, baby teeth can still have a big impact on a child's dental health for a variety of reasons.

Crooked teeth:

According to the Mayo Clinic, the natural transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is disrupted when a baby tooth is lost early due to untreated tooth disease. 

In most cases, the permanent tooth itself presses on the baby tooth, eventually causing it to become loose. This happens when a permanent tooth is poised to break through the surface of the gum.

The permanent tooth may not always be in place when a youngster loses a baby tooth to tooth decay. The permanent tooth may have strayed from its ideal position by the time it erupts. 

This indicates that it is more prone to erupt in an unusual place, crowding other permanent teeth. In the end, this may result in numerous misaligned teeth that may need orthodontic treatment in the future.

Gum Disease :

Gum disease is a second factor. Simply losing a child's baby teeth won't cure gum disease that has formed if the youngster has too many cavities in their baby teeth. 

When a child's permanent teeth erupt, gum disease increases their risk of developing other dental problems in the future.

Developing Jaws and Teeth:

Children's teeth and jaws need specific care because they are still growing, so it is important that they develop normally. Regular dental checkups can aid in detecting any abnormalities early on and stop more serious problems from emerging.

Dental Phobia:

Children may experience fear or anxiety before seeing the dentist. To make kids feel at ease, it's critical for the dentist to establish a pleasant and cosy atmosphere. 

Children's dental care specialists have received training in how to interact with them and make them feel at ease during appointments.

What types of treatments do pediatric dentists provide?

Dental care for children is extensive and covers the following:

• Examinations of a child's dental health that include a mother and child's caries risk assessment.
• Fluoride treatments, cleanings, and recommendations for nutrition and diet include preventive dental care.
• Counselling for bad habits (such as thumb-sucking and using a dummy).
• Orthodontics: Early evaluation and treatment for teeth alignment and bite correction.
• Dental cavities or other flaws repaired.
• Identification of oral problems linked to ailments like diabetes, congenital heart defects, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Management of gum illnesses and disorders, such as paediatric periodontal disease, short frenulae, mucoceles, and ulcers.
• Treatment for dental injuries (such as teeth that have been knocked out, dislocated, or cracked).

Here’s why kids' dentist is better than regular dentists and why children need specialized dental care:

Children's teeth are still developing: 

Children's teeth are not fully developed until they reach their teenage years. 

This means that they need dental care that is tailored to their specific needs as they grow and develop.

Children are more prone to cavities: 

Children's teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities than adults. They have thinner enamel, which makes them more vulnerable to decay caused by bacteria and acid.

Children may have dental anxiety: 

Many children experience anxiety and fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. Pediatric dentists are trained to help children feel comfortable and relaxed during their dental visits.

Children may have special healthcare needs: 

Some children have medical conditions or disabilities that require specialized dental care. Pediatric dentists have training and experience in caring for children with special healthcare needs.

At Dezy, we understand the unique dental needs of children and offer specialized pediatric dental care. 

Our team of skilled and compassionate pediatric dentists provides a wide range of services to help children maintain good oral health and develop healthy dental habits for life. 

We strive to create a positive and comfortable environment for children during their dental visits, to ensure that they feel safe and happy while receiving the care they need.

Why is Pediatric Dentistry Important?

Understanding the significance of paediatric dentistry is critical for parents who want to ensure their child's general health. Children's dental health has a big impact on their physical, emotional, and social development.

Let's look at why paediatric dentistry is important in a child's life and how it helps them keep a healthy smile and excellent oral health throughout their development. 

Paediatric dentistry is essential for a variety of reasons. The following are the primary advantages of paediatric dentistry:

1. Early Dental Issue Detection: 

Frequent dental exams with a Dana Point dentist can aid in the early detection of dental problems such as dental cavities and severe gum diseases. Early detection and treatment can help to avoid more serious problems later on.

2. The Formation of Good Oral Hygiene Habits: 

A Dana Point dentist may teach children proper brushing and flossing procedures, encouraging them to maintain good oral hygiene throughout their lives.

3. Educating Children and Parents on the implications of Certain Foods and Drinks on Oral Health:

Pediatric dentists may educate children and parents on the implications of certain foods and drinks on oral health, supporting a healthy diet that promotes both dental and general well-being.

4. Dental Growth Monitoring: 

Regular visits with a Dana Point dentist enable the monitoring of your child's dental growth, ensuring their teeth and jaws are growing properly. If problems emerge, prompt action can help to minimize the impact on their oral health.

5. Reducing Dental Anxiety:

Children can become familiar with the dental environment and procedures by visiting a pediatric dentist on a frequent basis.

The Training and Education of A Pediatric Dentist

It takes a special person to work with kids – someone who is patient, gentle, and has a great bedside manner. 

But being a pediatric dentist requires more than just having a love for children. It also takes years of specialized training and education.

After completing four years of dental school, pediatric dentists must complete an additional two to three years of residency training in paediatrics. 

This training gives them the skills and knowledge they need to care for the unique oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents.

During their residency, pediatric dentists undergo specialized training to develop expertise in providing dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. 

Here are some of the key skills and areas of knowledge that a Pediatric Dentist would learn:

Child development and behaviour management: Pediatric dentists learn about child development, including how to manage children's behaviour during dental visits.

Preventive dental care: They learn how to provide preventive dental care, including fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and regular cleanings to help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Restorative dental treatments: Pediatric dentists learn how to perform restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals to repair teeth that have been damaged due to decay, injury, or other reasons.

Orthodontics: They receive training in orthodontics to identify and monitor children's dental development to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary, such as braces or other devices.

Sedation and anaesthesia: They learn how to safely and effectively use sedation and anaesthesia to help manage children's fear and anxiety during dental procedures.

Emergency dental care: Pediatric dentists are trained to provide emergency dental services for children who experience dental trauma, toothaches, or other urgent dental problems.

Interdisciplinary care: They learn how to work with other healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians and other specialists, to provide comprehensive care for children with special healthcare needs.

Overall, the training and experience gained during their residency prepare pediatric dentists to provide high-quality, specialized dental care for children of all ages.

How Pediatric Dentists Help Manage Children's Fear and Anxiety

The most serious issue with dental anxiety is that it frequently leads to patients avoiding necessary dental care. As your child grows into an adult, this can become a vicious cycle.

Avoiding the dentist just adds to anxiety, and anxiety leads to even more avoidance of critical care. The longer a person goes without receiving dental treatment, the worse his or her oral health will become. 

The worsening state of dental problems increases dental concerns since worsening disease necessitates more extensive treatment, heightening dental anxiety even more.

Aside from deteriorating oral health, avoiding the dentist makes your youngster less familiar with the sights, sounds, and other sensations of a dental appointment, leading to a growing dread of the unknown. 

The longer you stay away, the more frightening any dental procedure becomes in the psyche of a young person, and the more difficult it is to return to the dentist.

We think it's reassuring to know that most children who have dental anxiety grow out of it with time and great experiences. 

Many symptoms of dental anxiety will be cured by maturity if you work to raise your child's comfort level with the dentist while they are young.

The Role of Pediatric Dentists in Promoting Oral Health

Pediatric dentists play an important role in promoting oral health. They are uniquely trained and experienced in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special needs. 

They work to prevent oral health problems and help their patients maintain healthy mouths throughout their lives.

Pediatric dentists are involved in the education and promotion of good oral hygiene habits starting at a young age. 

They work with parents to ensure that their children brush and floss properly and visit the dentist regularly. They also guide diet and nutrition to help prevent cavities and other dental problems.

In addition to preventive care, pediatric dentists also provide treatment for common dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth injuries. 

They use a variety of techniques and materials that are specially designed for young patients. Pediatric dentists work closely with other members of the healthcare team to coordinate care for their patients.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is a professional organization for pediatric dentists. 

The AAPD provides resources for parents, caregivers, and dental professionals on all aspects of children’s oral health.

How Pediatric Dentists Help Manage Children's Fear and Anxiety

It's no secret that children can be anxious about going to the dentist. But did you know that there's a whole branch of dentistry devoted to providing dental care for kids? 

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to help manage children's fear and anxiety, and they're experts in delivering care that's gentle and safe for young patients.

Here's how pediatric dentists help manage children's fear and anxiety:

1. They're specially trained. Pediatric dentists complete an additional two to three years of training beyond dental school, with a focus on child development, behaviour management, and dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. 

This training gives them the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage children's fear and anxiety.

2. They create a welcoming environment. Pediatric dental offices are designed specifically with kids in mind. From the waiting room toys to the treatment room decor, everything is geared toward making kids feel comfortable and relaxed.

3. They use kid-friendly language. Pediatric dentists use language that kids can understand when explaining procedures and answering questions. This helps put kids at ease and decreases their anxiety about what's going to happen during their appointment.

4. They offer distraction techniques. Distraction techniques like watching cartoons or playing games can help manage children's fear and anxiety during dental appointments. 

Pediatric dentists are experts in using these techniques effectively so that kids stay calm throughout their work.

Tips for Finding the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child.

Finding the right pediatric dentist for your child can be tricky, but it's worth taking the time to find someone whom your child feels comfortable with. 

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect fit:

1. Locate a Specialist:

Did you know that pediatric dentists must undergo additional training in order to practice on children? This provides them with a distinct viewpoint on a child's dental health that non-specialists lack. 

When looking for the finest place to bring your child, instead of looking for a general dentist or even a family practice, look specifically for a pediatric dentist in Arlington. 

This training not only teaches them about the particular characteristics of a child's dental health but also teaches them how to make children feel at ease. 

This provides your child with a favourable dental experience from the beginning, allowing them to acquire excellent habits at an early age.

2. Ascertain if the environment is child-friendly:

Even adults experience nervousness when visiting the dentist, so it's only natural that children will as well. When looking for a children's dentist in Arlington, start by looking at their website. 

A pediatric dentist's website frequently reflects the same overall tone as their office. A website with photographs of children and a kid-friendly design is a positive sign. 

Most websites usually include images of the office so you can get a sense of how it appears. You may also choose to visit the office to discuss scheduling an appointment further. 

This allows you to experience the ambience in person. Look for cheerful and entertaining décor.

3. Inquire About a Free Consultation:

Instead of immediately scheduling your child's first dentist appointment, inquire whether they provide an initial consultation. 

This allows you to bring your youngster in without feeling rushed. Your youngster can get a feel for the office and meet the dentist, which will help them realize it's not a scary event. 

This is also an excellent time to ask questions about what to expect or to discuss any concerns you may have about your child's overall dental health.

Conclusion

Pediatric dentists specialize in providing care to the dental needs of children. They provide various services, such as preventative treatment plans and emergency dental care that help protect your child’s oral health from an early age.

Parents need to find a pediatric dentist who can assist them in setting up regular visits and cleaning appointments for their children that cater to their individual needs.

Taking these steps now will help ensure your child has access to the best possible oral hygiene care throughout their lifetime.