Dental health is an important aspect of hygienic care for adults and children alike, but pediatric dental care for children is especially important to implement early in a child’s life, even before their teeth start to come in fully. Pediatric dentistry helps prevent cavities, tooth decay, and even periodontal disease and childhood dental caries, a condition of early cavity development in children under 5 years of age.
Pediatric dentistry isn’t just another task to check off of your to-do list; it’s a start to good lifelong habits that will protect your child’s dental health and set the stage for good oral hygiene throughout his or her life. We now know that oral health has many effects on overall health, so don’t put off getting your child started with a pediatric dentist. Starting early is the best thing you can do for your child’s dental health!
How Pediatric Dentistry Differs From Adult Dental Care
Adult dental care is a broader approach to caring for oral health in general, preventing, diagnosing and fixing cavities, while pediatric dental care focuses on preventative measures. A pediatric dentist will perform fluoride treatments and recommend dental sealants for young patients to act as a defense against cavity formation. Pediatric dentistry provides the setting for a dentist to make sure that your child’s teeth are growing in properly and are healthy.
One of the main differences between pediatric dental care and adult dental care is that a goal of pediatric dentistry is to help your child get used to the setting of a dental office, as well as having a dentist examine their teeth. If your child misses early dental appointments, it can be increasingly difficult to get him or her to adjust to the dental setting. The best time to start taking your child to a pediatric dentist is as early as his or her first birthday and continue until all of their adult teeth come in, which can be as early as around 12 years of age, or as late as 18 years of age.
What A Pediatric Dentist Looks For
Pediatric dentistry covers a lot of ground in tiny mouths. From examining oral health or checking gums to looking for signs of malformed enamel on your child’s teeth, a pediatric dentist will make sure your child’s mouth is healthy, and if it’s not, will provide recommendations and solutions to get your child back on track.
Here are 7 things a pediatric dentist will look for at checkups:
- Oral sores
- Enamel hypoplasia
- Thumb sucking, pacifier or bottle habits
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Overcrowding
- Oral hygiene habits
By allowing your child to visit a dentist specifically trained in caring for children, you can be sure that your child will receive care catered to their well-being.
When Your Child Should Have Their First Dental Checkup
Children who have appointments around their first birthday and consistently thereafter are considerably more likely to develop good dental hygiene habits from a young age. It’s not recommended to put off scheduling your child’s first visit to the dentist as this can lead to more apprehension around making the trip in the future. Dental hygiene is an important aspect of caring for oneself and it remains important throughout life, so the earlier you start your children the better.
Pediatric Dental Care In Fort Worth
If you’re in the Fort Worth area and are in search of a pediatric dentist who understands how to relate to kids and help them feel calm in an office setting, then Ahava Orthodontics is the right place for you and your child to be when it comes to dental care. Dr. Barron and his team at Ahava are happy to offer dental care alongside orthodontic care, making the eventual transition easier for your child to cope with.
We know seeing a dentist can be a big task for young children which is why we put an emphasis on their comfort and security while they’re in our office. Call us today at 817-926-9777 to schedule your child’s appointment!
