A dentist, also known as a Pedodontist, treats infants and children from infancy to adolescence. Apart from pediatric dentistry, pedodontists are also trained in preventive dentistry to assist children in avoiding serious dental issues that could affect permanent teeth or lead to gum disease if caught early.
Pediatric dentistry is concerned with the examination and management of children's and children's dental health. Dentists who practice dentistry on children promote children's dental health and serve as educational resources for parents.
They provide comprehensive oral health care that includes the following:
A six-month checkup with a dentist is ideal. It's an opportunity for your child's teeth to be professionally cleaned. They also get to practice their own dental hygiene. It also enables dentists to monitor their oral health. This is significant because detecting problems early allows them to be treated when it is easier and less expensive to do so.
Sealants are thin layers of resin-based material that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They prevent decay in difficult-to-clean areas. In fact, they can reduce the likelihood of cavities by up to 80%.
Crowns are steel or porcelain caps that cover the entire surface of the tooth. They are used when a damaged tooth is too weak to hold together with a filling alone. A crown can restore both the appearance and function of a tooth.
Dental emergencies can be frightening. A delay in care may result in the loss of a tooth that could have been saved in some cases. If a child has a dental emergency, most dentists encourage them to call. Depending on the circumstances, the staff may give instructions or direct them to make an appointment. They may also advise them to seek immediate medical attention elsewhere.
Fluoride treatments aid in the strengthening of teeth. They can help to prevent cavities and tartar and plaque buildup.
If a tooth is damaged by decay or injury, a filling can restore its stability and function.
Bonding is a quick and easy way to correct crooked, chipped, or discolored teeth. To repair the flaw, the dentist sculpts a white resin directly onto the tooth during the procedure.
When a tooth is too badly damaged to repair, it may be necessary to extract it.
The first dental visit for your child is a significant milestone. However, it may be more important than some parents believe. Because your child's overall health is a major concern, taking care of their oral health cannot be overlooked. Here are five reasons why your child should go to the dentist:
While children may seek comfort from their parents during dental procedures, staff trained in working with children can be novel and interesting to the child, as well as more effective. They can use distraction techniques to help a nervous child relax and reduce fears.
Dentists take a proactive approach to treating common childhood dental problems. Sealants can be used to prevent the formation of cavities, particularly in new molars. Dentists can fill cavities and detect problems like tooth grinding before they cause long-term damage.
A dentist can explain the best treatments for broken teeth caused by a blow or a fall. If primary teeth are affected, they may be extracted to avoid complications when permanent teeth emerge. In the event of a severe injury, your dentist may refer you to a pediatric oral surgeon.
When it comes to oral hygiene, children do not always listen to their parents. Dental professionals can assist children in learning how to care for their teeth. Staff can more effectively teach children the proper brushing techniques. Older children may also be taught how to floss their teeth. The dentist can encourage children to eat foods that strengthen their teeth. They can also deter them from chewing on toys or pencils, as well as biting hard candies, ice, or other items that could chip their teeth.
Didsbury Smiles Dental is here to serve all of your dental needs, including pediatric dental care. We understand that sometimes you need help from a professional to get the dental care you want and deserve. Let us be that professional for you! When you call us for pediatric dental care, we'll be standing by for you and your family to ensure that your oral health is protected.
The main goals of first visits are to acclimatize children to the dental chair and inform parents on how to care for their infant’s teeth. You receive a one-year pass till the age of two if your child has switched from the bottle to a cup and doesn’t snack or drink in the middle of the night. The conventional advice to visit the dentist every six months then comes into play. Expect your dentist to take the first set of X-rays when your child is between the ages of 4 and 6 to look for cavities that may be hiding between the teeth.
Between the ages of 6 and 12, when baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, prevention is key. Between the ages of 7 and 9, your child’s dentist may advise a sealant, a plastic resin that adheres to the chewing surfaces of teeth. The most likely area for treatment is a molar that is prone to cavities. The glue prevents bacteria that cause cavities from entering the troughs and grooves of teeth.
Our dentist will typically perform a brief exam, discuss oral health, and answer questions during your first dental visit. The visits for children are intended to help identify any developmental issues and educate parents, so expect to spend the majority of the appointment answering questions.
Here are a few reasons why parents may prefer to send their child to a person practicing pediatric dentistry vs. a dentist that mostly specializes in adults.
Special Training for Children: They receive an additional 2-3 years of training after graduating from dental school. This specialized education focuses on child psychology and early tooth and jaw development. They know what to look for and can quickly detect abnormalities in your child’s dental development.
Patients: They typically focus on and specialize in children, whereas general dentists treat patients of all ages.
Experience: They are often more skilled at interacting with infants and children with special needs because they work almost exclusively with younger patients. They can also advise children on their early development and help them break bad habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use.
These tips will help simplify your search and leave you with only the best options.
Clean teeth with a soft infant toothbrush designed for children under 2 years old as soon as the first tooth appears. If your baby dislikes having the toothbrush in their mouth, you can continue to wipe the front and back of each tooth with a clean, damp face washer or gauze.
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by your child’s teeth being exposed to sweetened fluids on a regular and long-term basis, such as formula milk, fruit juice, and syrups containing sugar or honey.
Some prevention and oral care tips include:
Serious harm can result if a child continues to suck their thumb. Thumb-sucking can cause teeth to become out of alignment, resulting in an overbite. This usually goes away when a child stops sucking their thumb, but if the habit is not broken, the child will require orthodontic care later in life.
Dental sealants are thin coatings that can prevent cavities (tooth decay) for many years when painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by forming a protective shield that keeps germs and food out.
If your child has a toothache, contact his or her dentist right away. If the toothache lasts more than a day or two, your dentist will be concerned and will want to see your child right away.
We understand that you might feel worried about exposing your youngster to radiation. However, X-ray technology has advanced significantly and is now more secure than ever! X-rays are an important tool for both adults and children in the diagnosis and prevention of a variety of dental problems.
While teething can begin as early as 3 months, the first tooth will most likely start pushing through your baby’s gum line between the ages of 4 and 7 months. The two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors, are usually the first to appear.
If your child’s tooth has been knocked out, the first thing you should do is reinsert it if possible. If your child is bleeding profusely, place sterile gauze over the wound to stop the bleeding. If at all possible, avoid touching the tooth root.
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk, making sure to do so over a bowl to avoid losing the tooth. Pour the milk over the tooth gently, without scrubbing it. Then replace the tooth in its socket; if this is not possible, place the tooth in a small cup of milk, salt water, or saliva. Wrapping the tooth in a napkin reduces the likelihood that your dentist will be able to put it back in.
Make an appointment with your child’s dentist right away; this will improve the chances of getting the tooth back in place. Your child’s dentist will also be able to take x-rays and check for any other damage or injuries.
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