dentist looking into childs mouth

Pediatric Dentistry—Things To Know

Children begin to grow baby teeth within the first six months. When they’re 6 or 7 years old, they start losing those baby teeth and form new, permanent teeth. However, kids are prone to wild sugar intakes that can put their newly formed teeth at risk of oral decay and infections. Dental issues can lead to problems with eating and speaking, as well as constant pain in the affected area. Without proper dental care, children can face a long list of potential dental issues in the future. More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth, while more than half of teenagers aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in one of their adult teeth. Seeing a Pediatric Dentist is a beneficial way to ensure your child doesn’t have to deal with tooth decay or cavities. 

What You Need To Know

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric Dentists specialize in diagnosing dental problems and providing treatment for children and teenagers. They focus on the dental issues that can develop in teeth and gums as children grow. Pediatric Dentists ensure that young people receive proper dental care so that they don’t go on to live a life full of oral problems. 

What Kind of Training Do They Have?

All Pediatric Dentists must have a Bachelor of Science degree and then complete four years of Dental school and 2-3 years of residency training in the field. The important skills they learn are crucial in providing the most effective dental treatment that youth require. 

What Treatments Do They Provide?

There are many services that a Pediatric Dentist can provide to prevent and treat dental issues in children:

  •  Oral health exams and assessments
  • Teeth cleaning with the use of fluoride to prevent dental decay
  • Early diagnosis of straightening teeth or correcting an improper bite, followed by a referral to an orthodontist
  • Early detection of oral health conditions associated with diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)  
  • Cavity removal and filling 
  • Repairs for dental injuries, such as a fractured, cracked, or displaced tooth
  • Gum disease management 

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists specialize in children’s oral issues. By regularly seeing a dentist, your child will receive excellent health care and properly learn how to brush and floss. 

It’s recommended that you take your child to the dentist by the time they celebrate their first birthday. They might not be ecstatic about the notion of seeing a dentist, but a Pediatric Dentist deals with children every day. They know all the appropriate ways to keep them relaxed and make the experience fun and informative. 

Conclusion

Keeping up with your oral health as an adult can be a lot of work, but it can be even more hectic for a child. It’s important to introduce them to a Pediatric Dentist while they’re young. This way, they’re informed about the benefits and responsibilities associated with dental care. If your child requires emergency dental services, set up an appointment today with a Kingsway Pediatric Dentist in Edmonton. We assure you that your child’s oral health and well-being are our top priority at our dental clinic.