Pediatric Dentistry - Specializing In Children's Teeth

A pediatrician specializes in caring for the health of children and those involved in the field of pediatric dentistry do the same as it pertains to their teeth. Because most children don't have significant oral health problems, the primary focus of the field is preventative in nature. Even baby teeth should be cared for and cleaned properly. However, that's not to say that problems never occur. When they do, a dentist must be prepared with the knowledge and experience that will allow him to make the right decisions. Here's a look at the field and what it encompasses.

The Child Specialty

In some ways, it wouldn't be out of line to look at pediatric dentistry as the most important specialty in the field. Of course, that's always going to be open to opinion, but there are some strong arguments for the case. A dentist in this field will treat someone from the time of their first appointment until they are 18, which encompasses an important time in a person's development. Perhaps most importantly, though, is that this is the time when an individual forms their thoughts about how they will care for their teeth for the rest of their lives. A dentist must be prepared to guide that formation with knowledge and skill.

A Broad Range

When you think about it, it's easy to see that anyone involved in pediatric dentistry must have a broad set of skills. After all, they aren't specializing in one particular aspect of oral health, as might a cosmetic dentist or even an orthodontist. They must cover the gamut and then some. Many in the field make use of conscious sedation to calm young patients who are fearful or have special needs. They must have the skill to use this sedation without causing harm. They must have a broad base of knowledge regarding various procedures, such as how to clean teeth, how to drill fillings, examine for cavities, apply crowns, and more.

Teaching the Parents

In addition to teaching patients how to properly care for their teeth and gums, those in the field of pediatric dentistry must also know how best to communicate with the parents. It is, after all, incumbent on the parents to teach and enforce good dental hygiene with their children. This means not only watching their brushing and flossing habits, but also making sure they get the right foods to promote better oral health. Dentists in this field must remind them about the decisions they should be making regarding their children and their dental practices.