There are many differences between children and adults. Not only is their behavior different, but also their mouth and teeth. Therefore, a specialist is usually recommended to take care of children’s oral health. Pediatric dentists have a deep understanding of children’s mouths. This allows them to help kids achieve good oral health even before their first teeth erupt. Moreover, they can give parents all the tools and information needed to ensure their child grows with healthy teeth.
Furthermore, early visits to the pediatric dentist will ensure they develop a good relationship with oral health and develop healthy habits. Also, they can understand and put to the test that a dentist appointment can also be a pleasant experience.
There are many differences between children and adults. Not only is their behavior different, but also their mouth and teeth. Therefore, a specialist is usually recommended to take care of children’s oral health. Pediatric dentists have a deep understanding of children’s mouths. This allows them to help kids achieve good oral health even before their first teeth erupt. Moreover, they can give parents all the tools and information needed to ensure their child grows with healthy teeth.
Furthermore, early visits to the pediatric dentist will ensure they develop a good relationship with oral health and develop healthy habits. Also, they can understand and put to the test that a dentist appointment can also be a pleasant experience.
What’s the difference with an adults dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is designed to cover all the oral health needs of children and toddlers. They rely on a series of didactic adaptation techniques to ensure the child can stay relaxed through the treatment. This prevents them from developing a fear of the dentist and helps them think about consultation as a positive experience. Therefore, building an excellent oral care foundation from early on.
Pediatric dentists are also specialized in treating deciduous or baby teeth. These teeth possess a few differences from the adult ones in size and anatomy. Furthermore, it is vital to keep them healthy until they are replaced.
Pediatric dentists can perform different procedures, such as:
Restorations
Baby teeth can also suffer from cavities, even if they have not completely erupted. If left untreated, it can turn into toothache and even infection. Moreover, this can affect the underlying permanent teeth and become a complication.
The dentist is trained to remove the decay and perform a filling without causing any discomfort to the child. Moreover, the professional often uses different techniques, such as asking them to raise their hand when they want the dentist to stop or other similar approaches. This way, the child feels safe and in control of the situation. In some cases, a pulpotomy or baby root canal is needed. This procedure allows maintaining a severely damaged baby tooth in the mouth until they are ready to be replaced without causing an infection.
Malocclusion treatments
Thanks to their training and expertise, pediatric dentists can identify early stages of malocclusion and propose some preventive measures. Sometimes, they can refer to an orthodontist for prompt treatment, solving the issue before the condition worsens and demands extensive and more expensive treatment as an adult.
Children teeth development
The children’s mouth contains only 20 teeth. However, after they are 6 years old, deciduous teeth start to be replaced by permanent ones, getting a combination of both types of teeth in their mouth. Both deciduous and permanent teeth start developing even before the baby is born. However, teeth eruption begins on the 6th month.
The first teeth to erupt are the incisors at the front. After the first year, the first molars should be erupting, followed by canines, and lastly, the second molars at the back of the mouth.
The first permanent molar erupts at 6 years old. However, this tooth erupts behind the last deciduous molar without replacing any tooth. Besides, alterations in the eruption order and time can be used to predict malocclusion.
Why is it important to take your child to the dentist?
A pediatric dentist can ensure to maintain your children’s teeth healthy. Although they will eventually fall off, it is essential to protect them until it occurs naturally. This is essential as these teeth maintain the space for the permanent teeth to erupt. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the teeth next to it can move and shorten the gap left behind. Therefore, making the permanent tooth erupt misaligned as it will not have enough room.
Moreover, cavities can cause discomfort and severe pain to children, even if they have not learned how to talk yet. This can prevent them from eating and lead to nutritional deficiencies.
What is the right time to take a child to the dentist?
- It is recommended to take your child to consultation before one year of age, even before their first tooth has erupted.
- A pediatric dentist can give all the information necessary regarding your children’s oral care, including habits control, nutrition, how to clean their gums.
- Furthermore, they can examine the toddler’s gums as they are susceptible to infections and other conditions.
- Special care needs to be taken when permanent teeth begin to erupt.
- Periodic checkups will help the dentist assess the overall health of all teeth and determine whether permanent teeth are growing properly or if there are issues, such as misalignment or cavities.
Moreover, in some cases, permanent teeth erupt out of place, preventing deciduous teeth from falling off on their own and leading to the need for a forceful extraction by the dentist. Whether your children are newborns or teens, it is always a good moment to visit a pediatric dentist.
