Why Children Dentistry Matters: Essential Information for Parents
Good oral hygiene practices among children are crucial to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth, gums, and mouth. Besides teaching your kid to brush and floss regularly, regular pediatric visits are essential for optimal oral and overall health. In this article, let’s learn why children’s dentistry is important and the role of pediatric dentists in your child’s oral health journey.
What Should a Pediatric Dentist Do?
A pediatric dentist is a dental professional specializing in children’s oral health, from infants through teenagers. After regular dental school, a pediatric dentist completes about 2 – 3 years of further training in pediatric dentistry.
Pediatric dentists have the expertise and skills to deal with dental conditions and diseases among children. They are also skilled in managing children’s behavior and anxiety during dental appointments, making dental visits fun and productive.
Among other procedures, below are common services offered by a pediatric dentist:
- Routine dental checkups and cleanings
Dental experts recommend taking your child for routine dental visits when they turn one, or their first tooth erupts. These visits typically involve checking for issues like cavities and monitoring the child’s jaw and dental development. The dentist also cleans the child’s mouth to remove bacterial plaque and tartar buildup, significantly reducing their risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Oral health education
Pediatric dentists have a unique way of educating children and parents about proper and harmful oral hygiene and habits. For instance, they can offer guidance on effective teeth brushing, flossing, and proper diet.
They can also highlight harmful habits to avoid, like chewing ice, using teeth to cut nails, and not cleaning or flossing daily. This education promotes good oral hygiene and habits for optimal oral health.
- Preventive dental care
Preventive care is crucial for preventing oral conditions and diseases like gum disease, cavities, and bite problems. Common pediatric preventive procedures include fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and tooth extractions.
- Orthodontic monitoring and treatments
The pediatric dentist monitors your child’s jaw and teeth to ensure normal development. If they identify any issues, the necessary orthodontic treatments will resolve the issues and prevent future complications.
- Dental treatments
If your child has issues like cavities or gum infections, the pediatric dentist can provide the necessary treatments to restore their oral health, function, and aesthetics. Common pediatric treatments include dental fillings, tooth extraction, and orthodontics.
Why is Pediatric Dentistry Important for Your Kids?
Below are several reasons why pediatric care is crucial for your child:
- Prevention of oral issues
The pediatric dentist uses preventive procedures like professional cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride applications to protect your child from potential issues like decay and gum disease. It helps them maintain a healthy and functional smile for many years.
- Early detection and treatment of oral issues
Pediatric dentists routinely monitor your child for potential oral issues like decay, cavities, gum infection, and bite problems. If any issues are identified, the dentist quickly addresses them they progress to cause serious issues in the future.
- Promotes a beautiful smile
Pediatric dentists help prevent and address potential oral issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and bite problems like misalignments. If not prevented or addressed, these issues can affect the aesthetics of your child, giving them a less appealing smile, which can make them feel self-conscious.
Pediatric dentists help your child maintain healthy teeth, gums, and mouth for a natural and aesthetically appealing smile. Contact our Mississauga cosmetic dentist if your child has cosmetic issues.
- Establishes good oral hygiene and habits
Pediatric dentists regularly teach and emphasize the importance of proper hygiene and care habits to protect your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. For instance, they can show the child how to brush, floss, or rinse effectively and its importance, helping establish good oral habits.
- Promotes overall health
Your child’s mouth is closely linked to the rest of their body. Dental issues like tooth decay and loss can affect the child’s chewing and speaking abilities, significantly impacting their diet and self-esteem. Similarly, gum disease can increase their risks of health issues like heart problems. Prioritizing good oral health through pediatric dentistry helps promote your child’s overall well-being.
- Promotes a positive attitude toward dental care
Pediatric dental care helps children feel comfortable about and during dental appointments, creating a positive attitude toward oral care. These positive experiences promote a lifetime of good oral health habits, ensuring optimal oral health even in adulthood.
Visit our children’s dentist in Mississauga, ON.
Ready to take your child for pediatric dental care? Book your appointment with our children’s dentist in Mississauga, ON – Dr. Jeff Levman and Dr. Ilana Wurman.