What is a Pediatric Dentist

The overall health of a child is the foremost priority for every parent. However, oral health is one of the most neglected facets of an infant’s health. Besides regular body checkups at the pediatrician, it also includes taking care of the child’s teeth or oral health. Infants develop their first group of teeth within the first six months of life. 

Around age 6, children’s baby teeth begin to fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. However, if parents don’t properly care for a child’s teeth at an early age, it can trouble them in the long run. It can sometimes even permanently harm the child’s mouth.

Not many people know that the most widespread chronic illness in children is dental caries, also known as cavities! More than 50% of children, according to experts, have cavities in their baby teeth. But this is a preventable condition. But who can help your child with that? There is a group of specialized professionals known as pediatric dentists. 

Pediatric dentists are also fondly known as pedodontists. They are experts in diagnosing and resolving dental issues in children, adolescents, and toddlers. They concentrate on the peculiar dental conditions that can arise in the gums, teeth, and jaw as the body changes with child growth. 

Is Pediatric Dentistry a Well-Trained Profession?

Years of formal education and practical training are needed for pediatric dentistry training. To become a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM), candidates must graduate from dental school, get a bachelor’s degree, and pass a set of dental certification tests (DMD). 

After graduating from dentistry school, participants in the program complete an additional two to three years of training.

Furthermore, pediatric dentistry also comprises hospital training, where they help kids with more intricate dental issues and problems. Moreover, during their training, they also learn about various orthodontic teeth-straightening techniques. Hence, individuals undergo extensive education and training to become child dentists.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Infants are the most challenging patients in pediatric dentistry. The child cries with irritation, and when asked to open their mouths, they resist. Infants’ mouths must be examined by a child dentist, who looks for caries symptoms. In exceptional circumstances, they might have to operate on infants. That process is challenging and calls for a lot of skill.

Therefore, pediatric dentists undergo a specialized program to treat children with unique dental problems requiring regular oral checkups. A pediatric dentist collaborates closely with doctors and standard dentists, who refer specific patients for this advanced-trained, specialized dental care. 

Pediatric dentists’ primary areas of expertise are prevention and treatment and informing parents and other dental professionals on the best ways to care for children’s oral health. Pediatric dentists who work in dental training programs and hospitals also conduct research to improve measures for safeguarding kids from oral health issues.

Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist

Oral health significantly influences a child’s overall health. Abundant bacteria are present in the mouth, leading to many dental issues. So, children, who are in the growing stage, require consistent dental care. 

Doctors advise visiting the dentist for your child at least six months after their first tooth develops and no later than 12 months. Pediatric dentists are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases in infants, children, and adults of all ages. 

Additionally, a pediatric dentist also highlights the importance of developing good lifetime oral habits for parents and kids. They also assist kids with particular healthcare needs. They have additional training to assist in addressing kids’ emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. Child dentist knows how to handle the child with care and give them the best treatment possible.

Type of Treatments Provided by Pediatric Dentists

It is important to note that the body suffers when oral health is overlooked. But how exactly? When you have dental issues, you become unable to consume anything, and your body gets deprived of vital nutrients. 

They offer thorough oral health treatment specific to young kids’ and teenagers’ needs to keep their mouths healthy. They provide the following treatments and services:

• Oral or dental examinations 
• Nutrition and diet guidance as well as habit counseling
• Fluoride treatments and teeth cleansing
• Early detection and treatment for teeth alignment 
• Removal of a cavities
• Treatment for oral injuries such as misplaced or broken teeth.
• Pediatric periodontal disease prevention through the care of gum disease.
• Early identification of diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and ADHD-related oral health issues.
• Prescribes medicines, such as antibiotics and painkillers, as required.
• Work closely with additional dental experts and medical professionals to ensure the best care for your child.

Where and How Can You Find a Pediatric Dentist?

You must be thinking, where can you find the best pediatric dentist for your child? It is pretty easy to find them in your locality. They work in various settings, such as private practices, dental clinics, and hospitals. The most common method is to ask your friends, family, and your child’s pediatrician to recommend good dentistry for children. 

You can also locate them online by searching with keywords like “Pediatric dentist near me.” When looking online, it’s advised to read any available reviews beforehand. Please note that in addition to conventional general dentistry training, pediatric dentists require years of education. Make sure the pediatric dentists you choose have the necessary education and certification. 

A pediatric dentist has extensive experience and training in caring for your child’s complete oral health. They have a wide range of child dentist services. Additionally, they are trained to practice with specialized tools set up and designed with children’s interests in mind. 

So, it would be best to take your child to the dentist whenever your pediatrician recommends a dental checkup. By visiting dentistry for children at an early age, you can be assured that your child will receive the proper screening and care to avoid dental issues in the future. To conclude, a pediatric dentist can help you to ensure that your kids have healthy smiles for the rest of their lives.