Why Pediatric Dentistry is Important
Dental care is a vital aspect of maintaining overall health and happiness. Pediatric dentistry is an integral branch for children from infancy through their teenage years. Pediatric dentists possess the specialized skills and expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral procedures.
Importance of a Pediatric Dentist
Taking care of your child’s oral health is critical from infancy to adolescence, as it lays the foundation for a healthy mouth throughout their lives and prevents future complications. Your child should make their first dental visit as they turn one.
Research within the dental industry has revealed that traumatic dental experiences in childhood can negatively impact a child’s perception about dental care, preventing them from visiting a dentist later in life.
Accordingly, introducing your child to an experienced pediatric dentist from an early age brings several important benefits, like building trust in the doctor. It creates a strong bond between the child and the doctor and allows the dentist to know the child’s dental health history from the onset.
Visiting the same doctor as the child grows will create a better understanding between both sides, preventing the stress or anxiety for the child that comes with seeing a different doctor in a new environment.
The main aim of pediatric dentistry is to prevent tooth and gum diseases by educating parents and their children about the best oral care practices, saving them from long-term complications of poor dental hygiene.
Pediatric dentists know how to deal with a child by applying the right behavior management skills using various verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. That helps build trust with the young patients and makes them cooperate comfortably and in a relaxed way.
Reasons to Visit a Pediatric Dentist
The following are some of the most compelling reasons to take your kid to a pediatric dentist:
Minimizes Dental Phobia
Approximately 36% of the population suffers from dental phobia or fear, 12% of which is extremely fearful of the dentist. Dental fear is a multifactorial phobia highly prevalent in kids and adults.
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to deal with young patients and pacify them. Taking your child to the dentist boosts their trust and allows them to develop a healthy relationship with the doctor.
Most pediatric dental clinics have a welcoming ambiance with attractive drawings, posters, and toys to manage young patients in a fun environment. The child-friendly environment positively impacts the child’s thinking and allows the development of a strong doctor-patient bond while alleviating fear.
According to a 2021 study, the first dental visit is crucial in minimizing dental anxiety. It is helpful to get your child to the pediatric dentist as their first tooth erupts and frequently from there on to protect against dental fear.
Develops Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The primary step in the proper oral health of your child is ensuring good cleaning habits from an early age to prevent complications like cavities and infections.
A pediatric dentist will explain the significance of maintaining oral hygiene while guiding you and your child about brushing techniques and avoiding certain foods. That will instill lasting positive dental care habits as they grow.
Dental organizations worldwide recommend pediatric dentists, nurses, and dental auxiliaries to promote oral hygiene habits in children younger than one year.
Identifies Childhood Deformities
Neglect and delay are the main contributors to the aggravation of dental issues. Detecting underlying anomalies at a young age helps avoid emergencies and prevent invasive, painful treatments later in life.
Dental developmental disorders are common in children. Numerous developmental deformities in kids need treatment from a pediatric dentist.
Several syndromes also affect the mineralization of teeth. Diagnosing these defects at an early age allows timely planning and management.
Musculoskeletal deficiencies lead to abnormal upper and/or lower jaw development. Early diagnosis and referral to the orthodontist can minimize the extent of malocclusion and skeletal discrepancies.
Prevents Tooth Cavities and Decay
Research shows a high percentage of tooth decay in young patients throughout the U.S. Approximately 23% of children between 2 and 11 years of age have at least one decayed tooth. Kids have an increased propensity for tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene and sugary diets.
The best way to save your child’s teeth from cavities and decay is to visit the pediatric dentist. Early intervention helps avoid excessive and avoidable pain and discomfort in the future. Undiagnosed cavities increase in severity and require a root canal treatment for pain relief.
A pediatric dentist informs the parents about foods detrimental to oral health. Your dentist will advise against giving your child sugary items like chocolates, candies, and beverages.
Pediatric Dentistry at Alligator Pediatric Dentistry
We at Alligator Pediatric Dentistry offer top-notch pediatric dental services. The highly-trained dentists at the facility possess the training and experience to provide your child with a relaxed and comfortable experience at the clinic and motivate them to practice good oral care.
Our goal is to deliver preventive dentistry with a friendly demeanor. It’s never too late to start, so contact us today and say NO to childhood dental problems.