The Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist

Getting children into the habit of good dental hygiene early in life is the best way to prevent oral health problems later. Pediatric dentists specialize in encouraging and establishing these healthy habits, as well as providing the dental care needed to ensure continued good health.

They are also trained to address specific behavioral and emotional issues, such as fear or anxiety, that might arise during a visit. Pediatric dentists can offer techniques to help children relax, like using positive reinforcement and a soothing tone of voice. They can even use different names for equipment and make it seem less scary to children, such as calling a standard diagnostic instrument “the tooth counter.”

Choosing a Pediatric Dentist: Ensuring the Best Care for Your Child

Pediatric dentists have the training to identify and manage any dental concerns that may arise in infants, toddlers, children, or teens. This includes filling cavities, restoring teeth that have been damaged by trauma or decay, and treating abnormalities of the jaw or teeth such as impacted or supernumerary teeth.

Additionally, because children’s mouths and jaws are still developing, pediatric dentists can see how their treatments will affect the long-term development of the patients’ oral health and mouth function. This allows for better, more proactive planning for future treatment, such as a possible need for a spacer or the removal of a problematic supernumerary tooth to avoid future problems like overcrowding or jaw issues. This preventive approach can save time, money, and stress in the future for the patient and their family.