Why Pediatric?
What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dentist who has received special training after dental school to qualify him or her to work with children. Pediatric dentists are not only trained in the development and growth of a child's mouth. They also received training in the emotional and social aspects of childhood, which uniquely qualifies them to work with children.
You can learn more about the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
When should my child begin visiting the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents begin taking their children to the dentist after baby teeth have started to erupt, or at about 12 months of age. Early visits enable parents to learn how to take care of their children’s teeth before cavities develop, and the dentist can examine the child’s mouth, throat and tongue to rule out other diseases. Children at high risk for dental problems or those who have other significant medical problems should see a dentist sooner.
I’m expecting a baby. Is there anything I can do now to enhance the development of my baby’s teeth?
If you’re an expectant parent, you can visit our office to learn about the effects of drugs and nutrition on dental development. You can also receive early counsel on the types of nipples and pacifiers that will work best for your child.
Why should my child visit the dentist at such an early age?
Good dental health doesn’t happen by accident. Healthy habits are learned and the sooner your child learns them, the better. By starting regular visits to the dentist at an early age, children start forming habits that will lead to a lifetime of good dental health. You also have a better chance of catching dental problems before they become severe. Early visits can head off problems with bite, tooth spacing, decay and oral development before those problems jeopardize the future of permanent teeth.
Why worry about baby teeth? They’re just going to fall out anyway!
Baby teeth are important for several reasons:
- They are essential when children are learning to talk. Without them, children may not learn proper sound and word formations.
- Baby teeth guide the way for the permanent teeth that follow. If a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth may move in to take up the space, which means there may not be enough room for the adult tooth when it comes in.
- Healthy teeth are important for a child’s social and emotional development. Because a child’s self-perception is often based on what others think of him, your child needs a clean, attractive smile as he grows up. Peer pressure and acceptance is a significant part of your child’s development, even as early as age three.
- Strong, healthy teeth are important to a child’s total well-being. Decayed teeth, especially those that hurt, can affect a child’s eating habits, which can have an impact on his overall health. Children often do not eat properly if their teeth hurt.
- Decay in baby teeth can affect the health of permanent teeth that follow. An abscessed baby tooth often will damage the underlying permanent tooth.
- Children don’t lose all their baby teeth until they are about 12 years old. Until then, baby teeth are the only teeth they have. Maintaining baby teeth until the last one is gone will help avoid many problems in the future.