From a young age, oral health plays a crucial role in a child’s overall well-being. Even before your child has all their teeth, routine dental visits will play a foundational part in helping your child maintain a lifetime of good oral health. Pediatric dentistry explicitly focuses on providing care for children in their early years. But what services does a pediatric dentist offer?
The Importance of Prevention in Pediatric Dentistry
Most services offered by a pediatric dentist center around preventing oral health issues. When young, children have had less time and opportunity for their teeth to wear down or suffer from decay. While more involved dental treatments exist for children, the best defense is to be proactive.
Pediatric dental care focuses on several key preventive elements:
- Keeping your child’s teeth clean
- Screening for any risk factors for future issues
- Strengthening teeth with protective elements
- Providing education for kids and parents about a healthy dental lifestyle
What Services Does a Pediatric Dentist Offer?
Parents are advised to begin taking their child to a pediatric dentist within 6 months of the child’s first tooth. Knowing what services a pediatric dentist offers can help facilitate a smooth start to your kid’s dental health.
Routine Check-Ups
Never underestimate the importance of a simple routine visit. These appointments give the dentist the opportunity to spot issues before they grow into more significant problems.
As a child grows, the way their teeth come in will play a substantial role in their later dental health. Specifically, your dentist will pay attention to whether the teeth are growing in straight, face overcrowding, or have other malocclusion issues. If a dentist notices any such issue, they will likely refer you to an orthodontist for regular orthodontic evaluations. If a child needs braces, it helps to know about it sooner rather than later so that you can have a treatment plan in place. Once their adult teeth come in, you can straighten them quickly and set your child up for a lifetime of improved oral health.
Cleanings
Even young kids need dental cleanings. During a routine visit, the dentist will remove any plaque or buildup on their teeth to facilitate more effective cleanings at home.
X-Rays
In addition to a visual exam, a pediatric dentist may take X-rays of your child’s teeth and mouth. This imaging allows the dentist to see teeth that have sprouted and those that have yet to grow in. Dentists can use X-rays to spot issues like crowding or teeth malformation and devise an appropriate treatment plan.
Dental Sealants
Preventing cavities might sound superfluous for a child who will lose their baby teeth anyway. However, preventing decay will improve your child’s overall health.
If your pediatric dentist spots teeth at risk for cavities, they may recommend a sealant treatment. It involves applying a thin coating over the affected tooth to bolster it against decay and cavity formation. Sealant treatments prove particularly beneficial for molars at risk of decay.
The treatment is painless and involves no drilling, so it can serve as a neutral introduction to dental care for children. For example, a child whose first dental treatment is a filling may become more anxious about future visits. Sealants provide significant benefits with a quick, comfortable treatment.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments provide another solid way to protect your kid’s teeth. Professional fluoride application strengthens the tooth’s enamel and gives it an extra boost in resisting the decaying effects of bacterial buildup in the mouth.
Like sealants, fluoride application is typically a gentle process with no pain. The dentist simply applies the varnish to the tooth’s surface and lets it sit for a time.
Special Needs Care
Pediatric dentists receive extra training about accommodating children with special needs. The right dentist will maintain open communication with parents to learn about each child’s unique situation. They adapt treatments accordingly to facilitate a smooth, caring process.
Emergency Dental Care for Kids
Lastly, a pediatric dentist can treat your child in the case of emergency severe dental injuries. Every parent knows how easily kids trip, fall, and tumble throughout the day. Most of the time, this will not require more than a nig hug and a band-aid.
However, these falls can sometimes require more intensive intervention. In those cases, it is best to have your pediatric dentist on speed dial. Many pediatric dentists will accommodate same-day appointments within minutes for emergency dental care for kids.
If you find yourself facing a dental emergency, start with a call to your child’s dental office. They will walk you through any immediate steps to take before your visit.
Start Your Child’s Oral Health Off Right
When looking for a family dentist, choose a team that makes you and your child feel at home. From the first appointment, you should know that the team cares and your child is in good hands.
