What You Need to Know About Children’s Dentistry

Most parents know the importance of dental hygiene in children. However, only a percentage of them take their children to the dentist. This is probably because some do not know who they should visit, a family or a general dentist. Both family and general dentists can address your child’s dental needs. But, it is recommended that you consult a children’s dentist near you because they are specialized to handle kid’s dental problems.

Children’s dentistry is a branch that deals with kids. Most dental treatments are geared to improve and support your child’s oral health. Here are a few facts about kid’s dentistry to know about.

1. Children’s Dentist Are Specialized to Handle Kids

All dentists go through basic undergraduate education, but after the studies, pediatric dentists get a two-year post-training.
During this time, they learn about the different dental problems that affect children. They also study the psychological and behavioral factors of children. This enables them to handle the different personalities of children. Plus, they can keep your child calm before and during a dental procedure.

2. The First Kid’s Dental Visit is Short but Important

The American Pediatric Dental Association recommends that you visit a children’s dentist in Heath when the first tooth comes out or right before the first birthday. This is the perfect time for the dentist to examine the jaw development and it makes it easy to detect any problem on time.

This first visit is usually short, lasting for about 30 to 45 minutes, but it allows the dentist and the child to establish a rapport. During this time, the dentist will do a gum assessment and also clean them with a soft, wet cloth.

It is recommended that you take your child to the pediatric dental clinic every six weeks or as advised by our dentist in Heath, TX.

3. You Get Comprehensive Kid’s Dental Services

Pediatric dentists offer comprehensive dental treatments that support the teeth and jaw growth of children and maintain oral health. The dental services are preventive and restorative, and they include:

• Dental exams and cleaning. These checkups involve examining the jaw, gums, and teeth. The dentist will also do a deep cleaning to remove plaque buildup from underneath the gums and gum line.
• Dental sealants and pediatric dental crowns. These are preventive measures that protect the teeth from bacteria. The sealants are plastic coatings applied on the pits and fissure of the teeth. These sealants are mostly applied to the permanent back teeth as they are prone to trap food particles. Pediatric dental crowns are mostly made of stainless steel and are fixed on the primary teeth. They work similarly to the sealants by protecting the teeth from decay.
• Fluoride treatment. This is recommended for children above age six. The dentist will apply fluoride varnish on the teeth and leave them for a few hours, before rinsing. Fluoride treatment strengthens the teeth and makes them less prone to decay. The treatment can be done three, six, or twelve months depending on the child’s risk level.
• Space maintainers. If your child accidentally loses the primary teeth, the dentist will recommend these orthodontic devices to maintain the space and prevent the permanent teeth from coming out crooked.
• Nutrition and dental health education. The dentist will teach your child the proper way to brush their teeth and remove the food particles and plaques. Also, he will share information on teeth-friendly foods, teething, and developmental milestones.
• Sedation dentistry. Children mostly have dental phobia and the dentist can help keep them calm using dental sedation. The commonly used type is the laughing gas because it has minimal side effects and wears out quickly.

How Can You Support Your Child’s Dental Health?

Maintaining proper dental hygiene early helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy. It is important to help your child establish dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. Also, make sure they brush before they go to bed to prevent the bacteria from damaging the enamel when they are sleeping.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Arc 32 Family Dentistry for more information on our children’s dental services.