For children, going to the dentist is a terrifying experience. It’s hard enough for an adult to have their teeth drilled and cleaned–imagine how much worse it could be for a child! But pediatric dentists are trained specifically in caring for children’s dental needs, so they know just what you need to make your first visit as enjoyable as possible.
Going to the dentist can be a real source of fear and anxiety, but pediatric dentists are well-equipped to deal with this obstacle. They are kid’s dentists!
In addition to their dental training, pediatric dentists study child psychology. Pediatric dentist Las Vegas are qualified to meet the dental needs of all ages, and as such, they undergo additional training that enables them to communicate with children in an effective, gentle, and non-threatening manner.
Pediatric dentists (or pedodontists) are qualified to meet the dental needs of infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists are required to undertake an additional two or three years of child-specific training after fulfilling dental school requirements.
AAPD recommends that children see a pediatric dentist as early as six months after their first tooth emerges. Though these appointments might seem early biannual dental visits should be followed to maintain healthy teeth.
The following reasons are why parents should see a pediatric dentist:
- Patients may ask questions about new or ongoing issues during a consultation at the office.
- To learn how to start a “no tears” oral care program at home.
- Considering oral injury prevention strategies that are applicable in the home.
- To find out whether the child is at risk of developing cavities.
- To receive information on overcoming oral habits such as finger-sucking.
- To receive preventive care (fluoride treatments and sealants)
- A pediatric dental exam provides information about how the child’s teeth and jaws are developing.
What should I expect at a pediatric dental office?
Pediatric dentistry offices typically have many colorful features and are a fun place for children of all ages. It’s critical that kids feel safe and comfortable in the dentist’s chair from the very beginning. The Phobia of the dentist is a real concern, so it is important to lessen the fear they may be prone to develop by taking them to a dentist who specializes in dentistry for kids.
Pediatric dentists focus on several different forms of oral care:
- Prevention – The most common ailment among children is tooth decay. The risk of getting cavities is almost completely preventable. Besides recommending home care practices, the pediatric dentist can also apply sealants and fluoride treatments to protect tooth enamel and reduce cavities.
- Detecting dental problems early – The pediatric dentist can examine a person’s teeth, take x-rays and run computer modeling in advance to predict future oral health problems. Often, optimal dental outcomes are achieved by beginning treatment early.
- Treating cavities and other problems – Pediatric dentists are qualified to meet the dental needs of children at different stages in their life, from infancy through adolescence with a wide variety of treatments. In addition to preventing cavities with fluoride treatments and sealant applications, a pediatric dentist performs pulp therapy and treats teeth that have suffered trauma. When primary teeth are lost too soon, space maintainers can help to prevent the replacement teeth from shifting position.
- Patient education – To provide the best care for children, dental practices are required to go even beyond what is typically offered elsewhere. The pediatric dentist can not only help the child understand the importance of oral care, but they can also advise parents on toothpaste selection, diet, thumb-sucking cessation, and many related topics.