Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch of dental medicine that focuses specifically on children, so they’re dealing with kids before they have their adult (permanent) teeth in most instances. Although some parents have long laboured under the belief that dental care for “baby teeth” is not important, studies have shown that proper dental care in children is important. Because it helps grow healthy, straight permanent teeth and to prevent things like gum problems, loose teeth, etc., in teenagers and adults. So if you do have children, it’s essential that they still receive proper dental care. It will go a long way to ensuring they have the best odds of growing strong, healthy, straight permanent teeth when they’re a bit older.
Though what exactly does a pediatric dentist do? Sure, we know that they perform dentistry on children. However, we now know that they’re specific specialists who deal only with children and undergo training that was specifically for children and their oral issues and overall health. So, how does this sort of dentistry practice actually help children? Here are a few ways that pediatric dental practitioners can help children.
Important Ways a Children’s Dentist Can Help
They Can Help Calm the Child
The first way a pediatric dentist can help is to calm the child. Sure, this might seem like no big deal to anyone reading this who hasn’t experienced it. But you try to take a toddler to the dentist and have them remain calm. In that chair, under those bright lights, and the doctor walks in with a mask and a light. It’s a genuinely frightening experience for most children. Dentists that operate at the pediatric level have specialized training in dealing with children and getting them to ease into the process, rather than just walking in and scaring them, which is something you’ll get as a benefit from a family dentist. It would help if you still prepared your child as best you can, but a pediatric dental practitioner will know what to do.
They Can Help Develop Good Habits
There’s no better time than at a young age to get into good habits like brushing and flossing. Though, let’s be honest: These are taught at home. Though how about getting retainers and learning other essential practices about treating loose teeth and gums so that permanent teeth come in straight and strong? Truly, a benefit you receive by going with a family dentist that also deals with children. And, if we’re still honest, many parents could also use a few better habits in dental care and hygiene.
They Can Help with Preventative Care
Preventative care is really important. Genetics have a whole lot to do with why a lot of children need braces to straighten out their permanent teeth, but poor dental care when children are young is also a big player in this issue. A pediatric dental practitioner can help your child’s teeth come in a lot straighter. They can also help to provide care and help to develop habits that strengthen the gums, for stronger, healthier teeth later in life. Dental care is a lifelong process, and it starts when you’re very young.
They Can Catch Early Problems
Unfortunately, a long list of problems that can plague the teeth and gums as teenagers and adults start in youth but don’t become worse for years. This list ranges from bad habits that lead to issues to gingivitis of the gums. There are also some genetic issues that a dentist can catch early on to correct before it becomes a huge issue. The overall point here is that you’re not going to be able to catch this stuff at home as parents. You’re going to need to rely on pediatric dentist in Aquia Harbor, VA to help you figure out what’s going on with the oral care of your children.
There are a lot of great things a pediatric dental practitioner can provide for your children. The most important thing here on which to focus is finding the right family dentist for you and your children to visit. The care provided is only as good as the dental practice.