The Role of Pediatric Dentistry in Child Development
We emphasize the importance of pediatric dentistry in shaping healthy oral habits from a young age. Although we are a general dentistry office, our approach is designed to educate and engage children in their own dental care, making each visit informative and supportive. This fosters a proactive attitude towards oral health and helps establish a positive relationship between children and their dental care providers.
Pediatric dentistry is crucial not just for immediate dental needs but also for long-term oral health. Starting with the initial appointment, we focus on teaching children the importance of regular dental check-ups and effective oral hygiene practices.
We support children through each dental milestone, from the emergence of their first teeth to the loss of baby teeth and the growth of adult teeth. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and habits needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums as they grow into adulthood, making each dental experience a stepping stone towards lifelong oral health.
Why is children’s dental care so important?
Believe it or not, some people ask why children’s dental care is so important because the primary teeth fall out anyway! Most children have their baby teeth by the age of 3. This first set of teeth begins to fall out by about the age of 6 and, except for wisdom teeth, most children have all their adult teeth by their early teens. Children gain and lose their primary teeth during their fundamental years and the state of their dental health has many long-reaching consequences.
Poor dental health hurts
Just like grown-ups, children are also at risk of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, infection and gum disease. Without a frame of reference, children are capable of normalizing a lot of pain and discomfort but they still feel it all the same. If you notice your child avoids hot and cold foods and drinks or chewy food, or if you notice your child only chewing on one side of their mouth they may be trying to cope with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby teeth set the stage for adult teeth
As the baby tooth loosens and falls out, the root is reabsorbed and the space left behind acts as a guide for the replacement adult teeth. If a baby tooth needs to be extracted prematurely it can cause problems like unexpected crowding or crooked adult teeth. Maintaining strong, healthy baby teeth and healthy supportive tissue and gums gives adult teeth their strongest start.
The cornerstone of confidence
A full set of healthy teeth is essential for children learning how to speak and smile. Children will also begin to form attachments and social skills from a very young age. Having dental complications, dental pain or sensitivity will impact how they are able to express themselves and how they are perceived by their peers.
Good eating habits for growing bodies
A wide variety of different foods is especially important for children and can be challenging enough for parents of picky eaters. Children experiencing discomfort and dental pain may find themselves avoiding crunchy, chewy or textured foods. Children may start a lifetime habit of eating on one side only or eating in the wrong part of their mouth or they might not want to eat very much at all.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty focused on the oral healthcare of children from infancy through the teenage years. It involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental issues specific to young patients. Although Dr. Collins is a general dentist, we can help the whole family, even pediatric patients.
Children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings unless the dentist recommends a different schedule due to specific oral health concerns. Regular visits help prevent cavities and other dental problems, and also allow for ongoing assessments of the child’s oral development.
Common pediatric dental procedures include cavity fillings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to prevent decay. Orthodontic assessments and interventions may also be conducted as children grow and their adult teeth emerge.
Good oral hygiene practices are essential. Teach your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, encourage healthy eating, and ensure regular dental visits.
Diet plays a significant role in the health of a child’s teeth. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus, like dairy products and lean meats, can help remineralize teeth, while sticky and sugary foods should be limited as they can contribute to tooth decay.
Technically speaking, a pediatric dentist is concerned with the dental health of anyone who hasn’t reached the age of majority. Pediatric dentists specialize in care for patients from the ages of 6 months old to 18 years old.
