Early childhood dental care is provided by Pediatric dentists who focus on providing oral health care to children. Usually, the age range is from infancy through the teen years. The dental visit is quite similar to what an adult will experience. However, the office will most likely be super colourful, and a pediatric dentist will have specialized equipment meant to work with children. Also, Pediatric dentists know how to connect with and make young children feel comfortable. A comprehensive oral exam includes a complete review of the oral cavity, and sometimes x-rays are part of the dental visit.
Experience and Qualifications
Pediatric dentists have the knowledge and qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout childhood. Baby teeth are important as they enable a child to speak correctly and chew their food. You should expect to learn a great deal from your pediatric dentist about teeth development and options for protecting your child from tooth decay, and how to establish healthy oral hygiene habits at a young age.
Teeth Development In Children
Children’s baby teeth erupt within the first six months of life. By age 6 or 7 years, children begin to lose their primary teeth. Subsequently, primary teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. Without proper dental care, children become candidates for dental decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth pain, dental abscess, and other problems surrounding the teeth.
Types of teeth
The names of the different types of teeth are:
- The incisors are the front teeth found in the upper and lower jaws. Incisors have a thin cutting edge that comes together like scissors to cut up food.
- The canines are pointy and are for tearing food apart and are found on both sides of the upper and lower jaws.
- The premolars have flat surfaces that are perfect for crushing food.
- The molars are larger than premolars, with big broad, flat surfaces that grind food.
Pediatric Dentists’ Education And Training
Pediatric dentists attend four years of dental school. Then they complete two additional years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs. In addition to dental training, Pediatric dentists study child psychology to communicate effectively and gently.
Treatments and Expectations
Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive oral health care that includes the following:
- A thorough exam and risk assessment for dental cavities
- Preventive dental care is the main reason to see a dentist, which may consist of dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and diet recommendations.
- A Pediatric dentist can also provide habit counseling to deal with pacifier use, bottle feeding concerns, and thumb sucking.
- Provide an early assessment and treatment plan for straightening teeth and fixing an improper bite
- Help manage gum diseases, ulcers, frenectomy, oral mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease.
- Emergency dental care is also provided to deal with dental injuries like fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth.