Dentists now agree that children ages two and older should be examined and treated by pediatric dentists at least twice a year. Once your children’s teeth start growing in, you should get them under the care of a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry. You can make this decision as a parent confidently by learning more about Pediatric Dental Care and what benefits it can offer to your children.
Pediatric Dentistry
As its name implies, Pediatric Dental Care is dental care tailored to patients under the age of 18. It entails many of the same services that adult patients receive from their primary care dentists. Children receive services like bi-annual cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays, and others that are vital to preventing damages to their teeth.
Pediatric dentists receive specialized training to put young patients at ease while treating them for common dental conditions like cavities, chipped or broken teeth, and abscesses. Depending on the age of the patient, a pediatric dentist may use distractions like TV, movies, music, or toys to keep a patient occupied during treatment. For more extensive services like extractions and fillings, the dentist might use nitrous oxide or local anesthesia to numb a child before treating him or her.
Pediatric dentists also can perform most if not all of the services a child needs in the dentist’s office. However, some patients especially those with health conditions like asthma may need to undergo more extensive treatments in the hospital or a single day surgery center. This location has more medical equipment on hand that can be used if the patient experiences complications or the dentist needs the assistance of other doctors and nurses.
As a parent, it is your job to choose a good pediatric dental provider to whom you can entrust the care of your children. You can make this decision and know that your children are getting the best dental care possible by keeping some important tips in mind during the selection process.
Choosing a Pediatric Dentist
When you are on the lookout for skilled Pediatric Dental Care, you might wonder what precautions to keep in mind. To start, you want to look for one who is licensed and certified in pediatric dentistry. Dentists who normally treat adults are not trained to cope with children who may be anxious and fearful of going to the dentist. They also may not understand the delicate design of a child’s mouth and teeth.
Further, you may want to choose one who allows parents into the treatment area with their children and welcomes open discourse between you and the staff. In this instance, you should trust your gut instincts and perhaps even insist on a tour of the facilities before you decide if the dentist and the dental practice is right for your children.
Pediatric dentistry provides vital services to children under the age of 18. You can help your kids avoid lifelong dental problems and enjoy good oral health by knowing what pediatric dentistry is and how to choose a dentist for your children.