The sooner you get your child into a pediatric dentist, the better their chances of maintaining healthy smiles into adulthood. Kids with healthy teeth can chew food easily, speak clearly, and have better overall health. Not to mention they have beautiful smiles!
Your child should see the dentist right when their first tooth pops in. And not just any dentist. Seeing a pediatric dentist will set you and your child up for success from day one as you learn how to properly care for your child’s oral health while avoiding common dental problems.
The importance of pediatric care starts with your child’s dentist having the skills and knowledge to provide excellent dental care specifically to children. You’ll find that they can offer a range of services from preventive care to disease management.
Pediatric Dental Services
- Oral health exams
- Preventive care
- Orthodontics
- Early detection of dental conditions
- Dental emergencies
- Habit counseling
- Teeth repair
- Management of gum and periodontal diseases
Is a Pediatric Dentist Necessary?
Though cavities are preventable, they’re the most common chronic condition in children ages 6-11 and adolescents ages 12-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This data shows the importance of oral health in childhood. The benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist are numerous.
Preventive Care
Children’s teeth are still developing and therefore need more dental care than adults. Seeing a pediatric dentist regularly ensures their teeth stay in great shape throughout their development.
Early Diagnosis
Finding a medical problem early is the best way to stop it before it advances. Oral issues like misalignment, gum recession, plaque build-up, and discoloration can be controlled early enough before they get worse.
Dental Hygiene Training
We all know the importance of brushing and flossing. However, getting children to understand can be difficult. Pediatric dentists know exactly what to do to make sure children like taking care of their teeth and enjoy doing it at the same time.
Habit Counseling
Pediatric dentists are trained in helping children overcome bad habits like thumb sucking and using pacifiers. Not only that, but they can trade the bad oral habits for good ones.
Dental Anxiety
It’s normal for children to have dental anxiety and phobias. Children’s dentists are skilled at making kids feel comfortable so they continue to come for their regular checkups. This also helps instill better dental hygiene practices for years to come.
Pediatric dentists do more than you think. They’re trained to know all about the human body and can detect conditions that are affecting your child’s overall or dental health. They also can recommend proper nutrition along with steps to keep your child’s dental routine consistent.
As soon as your child gets their first tooth, you should make an appointment with our Discovery Kids pediatric dentist. She’ll not only take care of baby teeth but also primary teeth as your child grows into adulthood.
Call us today at (719) 596-6920 to get started!