As your child grows and develops, their teeth will also start to come in. And while you may think that all you need to do is brush your teeth and keep them clean, there’s a lot more to it. That’s why it’s essential to take them to see a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with children’s oral health from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to deal with the unique dental needs of children, which can differ significantly from those of adults. They are trained to deal with the unique dental needs of children, and they can offer a wide range of services that can help keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Some of the services that a pediatric dentist can provide are:
- Cavity prevention: A pediatric dentist can help you prevent cavities in your child’s teeth by teaching them how to care for their teeth and properly provide fluoride treatments.
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. A pediatric dentist can provide fluoride treatments that will help to protect your child’s teeth.
- Dental sealants: Dental sealants are a thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants can help prevent cavities by keeping food and bacteria from getting into the tiny crevices in the teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment: If your child has crooked or crowded teeth, a pediatric dentist can provide orthodontic treatment to straighten them. It can help to improve your child’s smile and bite.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or six months after getting their first tooth. At your child’s first dentist appointment, the pediatric dentist will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also take X-rays of your child’s teeth and mouth to look for any problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. After the examination, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and provide you with instructions on caring for their teeth at home.