Reasons Why Pediatric Dentistry Is Important
Posted on: 16 July 2021
Pediatric dentistry deals with the management of dental health in children, from infancy through the teen years. Regular dental checkups for young ones are an essential part of preventive healthcare. According to dental professionals, children should visit a dentist bi-annually to help identify and treat oral problems on time. Occasional dental visits also teach children good oral hygiene from an early age.
Which Conditions Require Pediatric Dentistry?
Children are delicate and should be handled with extreme care. Unlike adults, children are always uncooperative, especially when they are in pain. So, they need a dental professional who shows great patience.
The three main conditions that require a checkup by a pediatric dentist include:
- Teething Problems: You should consult a children's dentist if teething is delayed.
- Malocclusion: If your child's teeth are poorly aligned, they can create problems with speaking or eating.
- Tooth Decay: Due to poor oral hygiene, children are at a high risk of developing tooth decay, which can cause severe toothache.
Why Pediatric Dentistry Vital?
Oral hygiene is a vital component of your child's overall health. Without it, your child's health is incomplete. When children's oral health is neglected, the entire body suffers, since they cannot eat their favorite foods.
Oral health care in children should start when they are born. If young ones practice good oral hygiene, they develop strong teeth and healthy gums. The role of a pediatric dentist is to make sure that children get regular dental checkups to prevent long-term dental problems.
Unlike general dentists, pediatric dentists have special expertise and skills to treat a wide variety of teeth problems in infants, children, and teens. Typically, pediatric dentists provide the following services:
- Evaluating your child's overall oral hygiene
- Removing stains on the child's teeth by scrubbing them gently
- Providing oral education by demonstrating proper teeth cleaning techniques
- Assessing if the child gets enough fluoride and prescribing fluoride supplements if necessary
- Examining the gums and teeth for signs of infections, such as bumps and sores
- Assessing the effects of negative habits, such as thumb sucking and pacifier use
- Taking dental x-rays
- Repairing tooth defects and cavities
- Recommending orthodontic treatment if the child has malocclusion
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist's office positively impact the child's attitude towards dental care and dental appointments. More importantly, the child learns and understands the essence of keeping the teeth clean and healthy.
The Takeaway
Regular dental checkups help in preventing oral issues that might affect your child's dental health and hygiene. Thus, you need to seek pediatric dentistry services regularly.
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