You have probably heard of a pediatrician, but what about pediatric dentists? These are dentists dedicated to the oral health of children.
You might not think that there’s anything different; teeth are teeth, right? But think about it, a child from infancy through to adulthood has a lot more going on in regards to their oral health than adults do. Children begin to get their baby teeth during the first six months of life, and then by the time they are six or seven, they start to lose their first set of teeth. These are then replaced by their secondary or permanent, adult teeth.
Pediatric dentists don’t just check that the teeth are growing correctly, they have the experience and qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood and they also have to be able to deal with issues such as children thumb sucking or using pacifiers which can affect the development of their teeth when they get to a certain age.
Without proper dental care, as children grow and develop, then they could end up with oral decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications. Today, early childhood dental caries, which is an infectious disease, is five times more common in children than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.
Pediatric Dentists will have the standard qualifications that all dentists have. Still, then they will also have two additional years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.
When you visit a pediatric dentist in Brigham City, Utah, there will be a range of services and treatments offered to you, such as infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in both the mother and child. Then there is preventive dental care, which includes cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations.
A Pediatric Dentist can also give an early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite; they will repair any tooth cavities or defects and be able to diagnose oral conditions which can be associated with diseases like diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder.
A Pediatric Dentist will also manage any gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenulum, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease and care for dental injuries such as fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth.
Pediatric dentists know that children don’t want to be sat, bored in a chair while they are being examined or treated; they also know that many children will feel scared or anxious. Pediatric Dentists know how to examine and treat children in ways that make them comfortable, and they also have specially designed equipment in their offices that are arranged and decorated with children in mind. A pediatric dentist offers a wide range of treatment options just as a normal dentist does, but they also have the expertise and training to care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth and can cater to children who have special needs or need gentler care.