WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Pediatric Dentists are primarily trained to promote oral and dental health of children from birth through their teen years. They have the experience and are well knowledgeable in terms of taking good care of a child’s mouth, teeth and gums through their adolescence including the ones with special health needs. They specialize on handling dental problems and providing dental care to prevent oral problems that could possible cause long term complications and diseases.
BENEFITS OF HAVING YOUR CHILD SEE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST
In many cases, children are being treated by general dentists. But if you are able to bring your child to a pediatric dentists, comprehensive oral health care can be provided such as infant oral health exams, habit counselling (e.g. use of pacifier and thumb sucking), diagnosis of oral conditions associated with some serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and care for dental injuries particular to children.
Children also need a special kind of care that requires more patience than what adults need, as they are not always able to be cooperative during dental visits and exams. Pediatric dentists are skilled and are experts on treating children while making them feel comfortable. In addition, they also have equipment in offices that are designed especially for children. You can be assured that they can provide the best possible care for your child’s oral health.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START?
It is essential that you let your child see a pediatric dentist at a very early time and if possible, this should be done within the first six months after the growth of the first tooth or after the child’s first birthday. Early visit and examination allows early detection of oral problems such as tooth decay. Also, another reason why it is important for possible oral problems to be discovered, is for the treatment to be administered as soon as possible.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE FIRST VISIT?
In order to reduce your child’s apprehension and uneasiness with the dental visit, you may need to manage your child’s reaction by talking to them about it and making it sound as if it is a very exciting event. You may also need to make them understand the significance of the visit. And as a parent, you will also need to know beforehand, the procedures that are going to be performed.
PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES FROM HOME
Children are prone and vulnerable to various oral conditions and diseases. They are dependent on adults to take care of their health in all aspects, and health related behaviors are acquired and determined by their families. Parents, especially, have a vital role in protecting their children from acquiring oral disease and are responsible in making sure they receive immediate and prompt management.
Simple practices and habits can be done at home as early as the child’s first tooth appearance. It can be done with the use of a soft bristled toothbrush and small dab of toothpaste. As the child grows older, he or she should be encouraged to learn brushing their teeth with parent’s supervision and parent’s example.
Preventing oral diseases is rather less costly than curing detected problems, therefore it is essentially beneficial. This will also reduce suffering experienced by children, discomfort and lifelong complications.
And if you have concerns about your child’s dental health, ask your pediatric dentist.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MOST COMMON DENTAL DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN
- TOOTH DECAY – Tooth Decay also known as cavity or dental caries, can be caused by lack of dental care and not brushing your child’s teeth enough. For toddlers, there is also a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay, which is caused by going to bed with a bottle. The milk from the bottle sits in the baby’s mouth and create a breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent this, monitor and control your child’s unhealthy eating habits and make sure to give your child water to drink before going to bed.
- GUM DISEASE – There are three types of gum or periodontal disease in children: Chronic Gingivitis, Aggressive Periodontitis and Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis. These are indicated by the following signs: Bleeding, Puffiness and Recession. To avoid these diseases, it is a must to encourage good dental hygiene in adolescence that include brushing and flossing and regular dental care and visits.
Contact Center One Dental for best pediatric dentists Canonsburg PA, Conveniently located right off Washington Rd.
4000 Washington Road Suite 105 Canonsburg, PA 15317