Pediatric Dentistry

The Road to Good Oral Health Starts Early

Many parents are unsure about when their kids should start seeing the dentist and are often surprised to find out that the recommendation is that children should have their first dentist appointment by their first birthday, or within six months of getting their first tooth. Having your kids see the dentist early in their lives helps to ensure that they grow up with good oral health, and it helps them get into the routine of seeing a dentist. Kids who see the dentist when they are young are more likely to grow into adults with good oral health habits.

Baby Teeth Are Important

It can be tempting to think that baby teeth don’t matter, since they are going to be replaced with adult teeth anyway, but nothing could be further from the truth. Baby teeth can get cavities, which can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Unhealthy baby teeth can also cause gum disease, which in turn can affect how adult teeth grow. To keep your kids’ baby teeth healthy, avoid allowing them to sip on sugary drinks and make sure they see a pediatric dentist regularly for checkups.

Pediatric Dentists Provide Essential Care

There are a number of different services provided by pediatric dentists, including:

• Teeth cleanings
• Oral exams
• Bite assessments
• Diagnosis/management of oral health issues
• Treatment for injuries of the teeth, gums, and soft tissue of the mouth

Dentist can also provide preventive care for kids, like fluoride treatments and dental sealants, that can help them maintain good oral health for life.

Dentistry Designed With Kids in Mind

For pediatric dentistry, it’s important to see a dentist with experience in treating young patients. Kids have unique oral health needs and benefit from having child-sized tools used in their care, but equally important is ensuring kids get treatment from a dentist with a bedside manner that will make them feel comfortable. Dentists who regularly see pediatric patients have the patience and techniques necessary to help kids feel at ease.