Pediatric dentistry, also known as Pedodontics, is an oral treatment and care for children from birth through adolescence. A dentist specializing in pediatric dentistry (called a pedodontist) treats cases such as teeth and gum diseases and provides regular cleanings, x-rays, fissure sealants, and other preventative mouth care for children. Although general dentistry offers similar services, pediatric dentistry is more specialized for young jaws and teeth.
If you have been wondering about bringing your child to a pediatric dentist, the time is now! It’s always best to start dental care early to ensure proper oral health and development and to catch any potential problems as early as possible.
Let’s look at all the reasons you should take your child to a pediatric dentist.
Create Healthy Habits From a Young Age
Bringing your children to the pediatric dentist as early as six months old (or when they cut their teeth) can help create long-lasting habits they will use throughout their lives. When your little ones start visiting their pediatric dentist for regular checkups, they will feel comfortable going to the dentist, which will be helpful as they grow up. They will also experience the many positive health benefits associated with routine dental checkups.
Starting at a young age, regular checkups will become a normal part of their yearly routines. When something becomes routine, it is likely to carry on for the rest of their lives, providing them with healthy teeth for a very long time! Additionally, after a few regular visits, your little one will understand what is happening and will likely become an active participant in their oral care. Healthy habits they’ll pick up at the dentist will include things like how to brush teeth correctly, how to floss, and other tricks for preventative oral care, such as using mouthguards for playing sports.
Prevent Decay
By mastering their new oral care skills, kids will be able to help prevent and manage tooth decay at home. Thankfully, pediatric dentists also have a few tricks up their sleeves! First and foremost, technology such as DIAGNOcam, a device that helps our pediatric dentists to identify minor cavities using light waves replacing X-rays, making them treatable before they become a bigger problem. Identifying problems right away helps to fill cavities in a timely fashion. It also allows children and their support system to identify areas that are being missed during their regular brushing and flossing routine (so that they can focus on these areas during brushing and flossing moving forward). In our clinic, we use cutting-edge technology to fight the cavities by stabilizing the progress of caries by dropping a special solution within the cavity. This technique helps us to eliminate the use of the drills in the mouth of our little patients.
Pediatric dentists also apply sealants on new adult molars as soon as they come in, which will protect them for years to come.
Healthy Teeth Equals Healthy Body
When children regularly visit their pediatric dentist, they will learn the importance of maintaining healthy teeth, which can also help them maintain a healthy body. Children (and adults) who have healthy teeth and gums are less likely to experience things like heart disease and increased risks of stroke associated with periodontal disease (gum disease).
Professional hygienists and pediatric dentists will also educate their young clients on the importance of a proper diet. Poor nutrition and questionable snack choices such as crunchy chips, sticky sweets, and everyone’s favorite popcorn kernels can wreak havoc on teeth and gums! Prevention and knowledge are essential, so choosing to bring your children to the pediatric dentist is always a wise decision.
Dr. Tosun Dental Clinic
Are you ready to help your little one create long-lasting dental habits that will carry on into adulthood? The professionals at Dr. Tosun Dental Clinic are here to help. Our main priorities are to provide a great dental experience for your children and help them develop healthy dental habits. Our pediatric dentists and hygienists have the knowledge and expertise to educate your children on the importance of oral health while creating a fun and relaxed environment to keep them at ease.
Contact our clinic by phone or visit our website to schedule your child’s first dental appointment today.
