A pediatric dentist treats young patients, especially those with unique medical needs, from infancy through puberty. When your children require medical care, it is usually preferable to first turn to doctors specializing in pediatrics. Here are some justifications for picking a pediatric dentist for your kids.
Pediatric Dentistry is Specially Dedicated to Treating Children’s Dental Problems
Pediatric dentists are experts at dealing with kids. Pediatric dentists get two to three years more than your usual dentist in critical training.
Following dental school, a pediatric dentist completes two to three years of specialty training before focusing only on treating children. Pediatric dentists are trained to provide general and specialized dental care, including care for patients with particular medical needs, for infants, young children, and adolescents. They possess exceptional skills and knowledge to manage pediatric dental problems.
Pediatric Dentists Deal with More Than Just Dental Problems
It’s hard to make children cooperate with doctors. It is harder still to calm them down in a dentist’s office. Pediatric dentistry requires training in more than just how to take care of a child’s dental health.
Pediatrics includes the management of the following:
- Child oral trauma
- Child psychology
- Oral Pathology
- Child-related pharmacology
- Monitoring child development
- Advanced diagnostic and surgical operations
A pediatric dentist can examine and treat children in ways that are comfortable for them. Additionally, pediatric dentists increase the comfort level of youngsters by using specially created equipment and creating a pleasant environment in the office.
Dentists specializing in pediatrics sometimes incorporate a playground into the office or a fun movie to enjoy during the procedure. These dentists have colorful murals covering their offices, and toys fill their play areas. Kids will not fear going to the dentist’s office.
Pediatrics Includes Handling Different Personalities
Any personality that walks through the doors can be handled by a specialist, whether your child is extremely shy or highly talkative. Being able to connect with children intuitively is one of the unstated needs for entering the field of pediatrics. People who desire to work in pediatric medicine must empathize with kids and their families.
Pediatric dentists use behavioral techniques to calm apprehensions among children. Their top priority is establishing comfort and rapport with the child and the family.
Pediatric Dentists Can Assist with Bad Oral Habits Among Children
When young, many kids tend to suck their thumbs for consolation or out of habit. Although this tendency usually corrects itself when the child is two to four years old, there are some instances where it persists after this age and causes issues. In addition to interfering with tooth erupting and jaw growth, thumb sucking can result in the upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth.
We usually inquire about thumb sucking during the visit, and if the child does it, we can assist in helping them discuss quitting the behavior. An intraoral tongue crib, a dental appliance, can be created if necessary. This device stops thumb-sucking by physically fitting in the child’s mouth. Usually, this gadget can assist them in quitting their habit in a few months.
Pediatric Dentists Know How to Work with the Tiniest Teeth
Even baby teeth can develop cavities. Baby bottle tooth decay, or cavities, in baby teeth, is now referred to as early childhood caries. Cavities are referred to as caries in medicine. Cavities can develop in children of any age, although they do so more quickly in baby teeth than in adult (permanent) teeth.
A pediatric dentist has special training to handle baby teeth. Pediatric dentists are skilled at using small tools suitable for children with smaller mouths. A pediatric dentist can aid in preventing cavities in an infant’s teeth in a number of different ways:
- Dental exams
- Teeth cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Tooth sealants
- Dieting tips (a pediatrics professional can effectively explain to your child how dieting affects tooth health)
Pediatrics Includes Providing Care for Children with Special Needs
According to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children with special needs have ongoing physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional issues. They typically need more extensive dental and medical care and constraints on daily activities. Many kids with severe difficulties have extremely sensitive areas around their mouths.
Due to these difficulties, parents must choose a pediatric dentist experienced in treating kids with special needs. Finding a pediatric dentist who listens and provides helpful resources is crucial for the long-term health of children with special needs issues because a great pediatric dentist will become a therapeutic partner.
Working with a fantastic pediatric dentist may frequently assist parents in navigating oral structure changes and feeding issues, preparing them and their children for future developmental changes.
Pediatrics doesn’t choose – all children should feel comfortable going to a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric Dentists Provide Enjoyably and Positive Dental Experiences
A dentist who enjoys working with children is the most outstanding dentist for children. They might sing ridiculous songs or use an amusing voice. They are skilled in engaging kids in the topic of teeth by showing them a copy of their x-rays or a model tooth’s components.
In kid-friendly dental offices, a good visit is sometimes rewarded with a prize, such as a toy, sticker, or new toothbrush. There may be a separate children’s waiting area in dental offices that sees many young patients. Toys, games, novels, and even kid-sized furniture can be found here.
Pediatric Dentists Guides Children to a Lifetime of Impeccable Dental Health
A considerable part of a pediatric dentist’s job is educating children on how to care for their teeth and overall oral health. Getting small children interested in taking care of their teeth is often difficult. Brushing and flossing would often seem like chores for children.
Parents should start early in getting their kids invested in their dental health. Regularly going to a pediatric dentist should begin before an infant is a year old. The pediatric dentist can build rapport with your child early on and help them develop a love for taking care of their teeth.
Get the Best Pediatric Dentists – Contact Vitality Home Health
Vitality Home Health houses the best medical professionals specializing in providing home health excellence. Our pediatrics branch manages children’s overall health and more specific aspects – such as dentistry. Contact Vitality Home Health to get a complimentary assessment from our team.