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Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health problems in children. Pediatric dentists have specialized training that qualifies them to provide care for children’s teeth and gums as they change throughout childhood. Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive care, from preventative treatment like cleanings, fluoride varnish treatment and sealants to treatment for oral disease and injuries. A pediatric dentist will also counsel parents about a child’s nutritional and hygienic habits.
Children should have a dental home – preferably with a pediatric dentist who specializes in the oral health of children and adolescents. Early childhood dental visits help a child acclimate to the dental environment and become comfortable with his or her oral care provider. By attending appointments on a regular basis, children learn to put a value on oral care and establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. The first dental visit is at his or her first birthday and may different for each child depending on the age and overall oral health of the patient.
A lifetime of good oral health begins during the first stages of life even before the first teeth emerge. Parents who are well-educated in children’s dental health can more adequately ensure that a child’s oral care needs are met. From an early age, pediatric dentists serve as partners in oral health and prevention, answering questions and providing helpful information about teething and at-home oral care.
Most cavities are caused by a lack of brushing and a diet that is high in sugary foods. Many cavities can be prevented by an improvement of both diet and dental hygiene. Your Pediatric Dentist can also help prevent decay by using dental sealants and fluoride varnish treatments.
Dental sealants are clear coatings applied to the surfaces of a child’s molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities.
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. The fluoride is applied to the teeth with a small brush. Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. This treatment best helps prevent decay when combined with brushing, flossing regularly, getting regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet.
Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. The fluoride varnish is applied quickly and hardens. There is only a small amount of varnish used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. The fluoride varnish is then brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.
Some tips for cavity prevention:
A child’s oral health must be protected from birth through adolescence and into adulthood. Unfortunately, many children develop tooth decay early in life – a condition that can progress into serious oral health problems. Keeping a child’s teeth strong and healthy requires preventative measures. At our pediatric dental practice, prevention is the foundation of all we do. After all, it is far easier and more affordable to avoid oral disease than it is to treat it.
Dental emergencies occur often in young patients. Though some can require urgent treatment, it is important to remain calm while determining the course of action. Dental emergencies are any trauma or condition that requires immediate attention.
Examples include:
More than half of children over age six have some degree of tooth decay. When cavities are left untreated, they can lead to pain, infection and even tooth loss. Fortunately, pediatric dentists can fill cavities to prevent them from worsening or causing complications. Modern dentistry has made it possible to fill cavities discreetly using tooth-colored fillings, also known as composites. Children with tooth-colored fillings can retain decayed teeth in a way that is both functionally effective and visually appealing.
Pulpal therapy is a pediatric dental treatment used to treat and preserve a child’s natural tooth that has been affected by an injury or tooth decay. The pulp is soft tissue located inside the teeth. When a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, the pulp may be exposed to bacteria, causing infection and pain. Rather than extract the tooth entirely, the infected pulp may be removed and replaced with a filler that prevents bacteria from further damaging the tooth.