Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists are committed to children’s dental health from infancy to adolescence. They are extensively trained and have the necessary experience in treating a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout all childhood.

Baby teeth start to grow in the first six months of life. Children begin to lose their primary set of teeth at the age of 6 or 7, and secondary, permanent teeth eventually replace these teeth. Without proper dental care, children may develop oral diseases that could result in discomfort and issues for the rest of their lives. Here’s everything you need to know about pediatric dentistry to help your child maintain good oral health.

Training of Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dental professionals have at least a four-year dental program. Two more years are required for residency training for newborns, children, teens, and kids with special needs.

Procedures Offered By Pediatric Dentists

Dental care for children is extensive and covers the following:

  • Evaluation of a child’s dental health that includes a mother and child’s caries risk assessment
  • Fluoride treatments, cleanings, and recommendations for nutrition, diet, and overall preventive dental care
  • Counseling for infant habits such as pacifier use and thumb sucking
  • Early evaluation and treatment for teeth straightening and bite correction (orthodontics)
  • Dental cavities or other flaws that require repair
  • Identify oral problems linked to diseases like congenital heart defects, diabetes, hay fever, asthma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Management of gum illnesses and disorders, such as pediatric periodontal disease, short frenulae, mucoceles, and ulcers
  • Treatment for dental injuries such as teeth that have been knocked out, dislocated, or fractured.

Where to Find a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric Edgewater dentists work in various settings, such as private practices, dental clinics, and hospitals. Your child’s pediatrician can direct you to a local pediatric dentist. You can contact Universal Smiles Dentistry to book an appointment for your little one.

Our Pediatric Dentists: Best Treatment for Your Children

Our pediatric dentists in South Daytona provide the best dental treatment for your children. Children are not like adults and are sometimes not cooperative and patient during dental examinations. Our pediatric dentists are skilled in examining and treating kids in a way that makes them feel at ease. Additionally, pediatric dentists in Orange City work with specialized tools in settings that are set up and decorated with kids in mind. A pediatric Orange City dentist has the knowledge and training to take care of your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth and provide various treatment options.

South Daytona dentists are most likely to encounter the following conditions:

1. Teething Issues

You should contact a pediatric dentist if a baby’s teething takes longer than expected. The teeth and jaws should develop completely to successfully allow the newborn onto adult foods. The development of adequate speech also depends on the teeth’ healthy and timely eruption.

2. Misplaced TeethOrMalocclusion

Malocclusion is where the top and lower teeth do not line up when the jaws are closed together. Eating may become challenging as a result. Malocclusion can cause pain in the gums, tongue, and mouth when you bite. Pediatric dentists typically use braces to correct such dental alignment issues.

3. Tooth Decay and Dental Caries

Milk teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. However, it is still crucial that these teeth are taken care of. Children are more likely to experience cavities caused by tooth decay, which can expose the inner dental pulp to bacteria and result in toothaches. Children are more likely to consume sugary food and neglect their dental care than adults, making them more prone to dental plaque and tooth disease. As a result, tooth decay is a significant problem in pediatric dentistry. They can even develop tooth abscesses and gingivitis. Children can have a healthy set of teeth with routine dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and daily tooth brushing and flossing.

When Should Be Your First Appointment with a Pediatric Dentist?

Many parents are unaware that infants and young children can get cavities. Your child’s new tooth could deteriorate as soon as they erupt. This is why it is crucial to arrange a dental examination as soon as their first tooth erupts. Even if no teeth have erupted, the dental care professionals advise that you bring your kid in for a dental examination no later than their first birthday. According to the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should take your child to the dentist in Edgewater the day your child’s first tooth appears, and the next appointment should be on your child’s first birthday.

Is it Really Necessary to Take Your Child to the Dentist?

If you think that taking your child to the dentist by the time they turn one seems early, keep in mind that more than 21% of kids between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities and that kids who go to the dentist by the time they turn one may have less tooth decay than kids who wait until they are older. In fact, according to a study, a child’s likelihood of developing tooth decay nearly doubles every year after their first birthday. Hence, parents put off scheduling their child’s first dental checkup. However, regular dental checkups for youngsters lower their chance of developing cavities.

For many patients, the initial visit will serve as a valuable educational opportunity for the parents. For instance, your child’s pediatric dentist will instruct you to adequately look after your baby’s teeth and gums. Daily tooth brushing and flossing are essential for preventing cavities, but parents must know how to correctly brush their infant’s baby teeth. Our pediatric dentists can guide you on how to brush and floss your baby’s teeth correctly. To best safeguard your child’s oral health, our pediatric dentists will walk you through brushing your infant’s teeth and provide instructions. You can book your appointment and get help from our professional pediatric dentists.

Bottom Line

If you have toddlers, you should understand you cannot take their oral health for granted. Pediatric dentistry provides detailed care for your child’s oral health, including regular checkups, risk assessments for dental caries, and other tooth decaying problems. Your children’s dental care is as vital as their physical health. So you should take care of their oral hygiene to preserve their beautiful smile.