Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing dental care for children from birth to adolescence. Dentists who specialize in this field undergo additional training after completing their general dentistry degree. They may also choose to specialize in caring for children with special needs, such as autism, mental retardation, or cerebral palsy. This specialized care ensures that these children receive appropriate dental treatment in a supportive environment.
One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology. Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
Pediatric dentists play a vital role in ensuring a child's overall oral health and hygiene. They focus on taking care of baby teeth, which are crucial for proper chewing, speech development, and maintaining space for permanent teeth.
Here are some important functions they perform:
Education: Pediatric dentists educate children using child-friendly language, models, and technology to emphasize the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. They also provide guidance to parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and proper home hygiene routines.
Growth monitoring: By continuously monitoring growth and development, pediatric dentists can anticipate dental issues and intervene early to prevent them from worsening. Early corrective treatment helps preserve a child's self-esteem and promotes a positive self-image.
Prevention: Pediatric dentists help parents and children establish healthy eating habits and oral care routines, reducing the risk of future tooth decay. They provide check-ups, dental cleanings, and may apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth. They also advise parents on thumb-sucking, pacifier use, smoking cessation, and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Intervention: In certain cases, pediatric dentists may discuss early oral treatments with parents. They may fit space maintainers to address oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or recommend nighttime mouth guards for bruxism (teeth grinding). In some situations, reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.
If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please contact our office.