The Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist

As adults, most of us realize the importance of seeing the dentist about twice a year so that he or she can clean our teeth, check for cavities, and possibly take some x-rays. Once children begin getting their first teeth, the most logical option is to take them to the same dental office that we go to, right? We're already familiar with the routine. Our dental records are there. The staff members know us well. So, why would we take our child anywhere else?

Take a moment to consider if you'd take your child to the same doctor that you see. Probably not. So, why would you do the same with your dentist? A pediatric dental office has many advantages to offer children of all ages, including a child-friendly environment, specially trained staff members that are adept at cleaning young children's teeth, and a oral care professional, who is specifically trained to identify and treat child-specific problems.

Pediatric Dental Training

Did you know that dental professionals who wish to specialize in pediatrics must take an additional two years of schooling? During this time, they study topics that are specifically related to children's dental care. For instance, a child's mouth is much smaller than that of an adult. They are growing tiny baby teeth that will soon be replaced by their bigger adult counterparts. A pediatric oral care professional's trained eye can tell if there's enough room for those big teeth to come in, or if your child's jaws will need some extra help for the teeth to be properly spaced.

The Importance of Pediatric Dental Care

Even the earliest baby tooth is susceptible to decay the moment it breaks through your child's gums. Besides teaching you and your child how to properly care for those little teeth, a pediatric dentist will look for early signs of cavities or other possible decay. For this reason, it's important to schedule you child's very first appointment soon after that first tooth breaks through the gums.

Baby teeth play a vital role in your child's overall development. They need to be able to eat a well-balanced diet filled with all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If they're experiencing pain during chewing, they won't have much enthusiasm for trying new foods, nor will they enjoy foods that require a lot of chewing.

On a final note, you child's pediatric dentist provides a supporting influence for you as you teach your little one about dental hygiene. As much as you encourage your child to brush twice a day, floss before bedtime, and eat healthy snacks, hearing the same information from their very own dentist can be all that they need to put those habits into action without a fight.