Pediatric dentistry is the specialty that treats children’s teeth and gums. It combines a wide range of skills and disciplines including behavior guidance, care for medically and developmentally compromised patients, dental caries prevention and sedation techniques.
Taking your child to the dentist early can help ensure their baby teeth develop properly and stay healthy. The best time to start this is right after their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one’s teeth and gums clean to prevent disease. It includes daily brushing, flossing and other dental hygiene routines to remove harmful bacteria. Incorporating good oral hygiene habits in children early on can help set them up for a lifetime of optimal dental health.
Parents are the primary role models for their children, so establishing good dental health habits in them from the beginning is key. This involves ensuring that they are involved in their kids’ dental care and practicing healthy habits themselves. Disruptions in these habits, like snacking or skipping a routine cleaning, can leave the mouth vulnerable to bacteria and lead to tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease of childhood and it’s nearly entirely preventable. It starts with plaque, a sticky, whitish film that feeds on sugar to produce acid that erodes tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities, which need to be treated by a dentist with a filling or a root canal.
Pediatric dentistry is the specialty that deals with treating the unique oral health needs of infants, children and adolescents. It provides specialized care for the teeth of these younger patients and helps them establish good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. This can include preventing the need for dental extractions later in life.
Dental Exams
If children have good oral health, they will have the best chance of keeping their permanent 韓国歯科矯正 teeth and having a healthy mouth throughout their lifetime. Pediatric dentists specialize in the unique dental needs of kids, from infants to teenagers. This means that they have the skills and experience to treat a wide variety of problems that may arise in a kid’s mouth, such as gum disease, cavities, or malocclusion (crooked teeth).
A pediatric dental exam is an important part of children’s regular oral care routine. It will help to identify and address any issues before they become more serious. This will also give parents a chance to teach their child proper oral hygiene practices, including how to brush and floss.
Pediatric dentists typically recommend that kids get their first dental exam between the ages of six months and one year. This will help them to establish a positive relationship with the dentist, making it easier for them to comply with their instructions about proper oral hygiene.
A pediatric dental office should be clean, child-friendly, and welcoming to all children. They should have plenty of toys and games to keep children entertained, as well as a staff who is familiar with working with kids. If you are having trouble finding a good pediatric dentist, ask friends and family for recommendations or read reviews online.
Routine Cleanings
During routine cleanings, the pediatric dentist will remove plaque build-up from those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies that are missed by your child’s toothbrush. Plaque that is not removed will harden into a substance called calculus or tartar, which can only be removed by the dental professional with a special tool. Once the hygienist is done, the dentist will examine the soft tissues inside the mouth, looking for any abnormalities. The dentist may use a curved tool to poke around the teeth and gums (don’t worry, this won’t hurt).
If your child requires a fluoride treatment, we will apply a gel or foam directly to the tooth surface. This helps to strengthen the teeth, prevent cavities and reduce the risk of periodontal disease. We will also give your child oral hygiene instructions and review dietary advice.
Visiting the dentist regularly is important at any age, but it is particularly critical for children. Good dental habits are established early, and will help your child maintain their oral health throughout their life. In addition, regular visits to the dentist can prevent progressive problems such as gingivitis and tooth decay from developing, which can lead to fillings, root canals and other costly procedures. Visit a Nutley pediatric dentist to get your child started on the right path for a lifetime of healthy teeth!
Tooth Extraction
Pulling a tooth can be a big deal for kids, but it is often necessary. Baby teeth can become decayed, or the root may be damaged if the tooth isn’t removed in time. Moreover, the teeth can interfere with permanent teeth coming in correctly. The pediatric dentist will recommend a tooth extraction as a last resort only after they have exhausted other treatment options.
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the procedure. They know how to apply the numbing agent quickly and effectively so that your child doesn’t experience any pain. Moreover, they are skilled at explaining the situation to children using age-appropriate language so that they understand what’s going on.
After numbing your child’s tooth and the surrounding area, the dentist will use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth. They will then remove it with forceps.
Once the tooth is out, it’s important for your child to not touch or chew on the site of the extraction. Instead, they should eat soft foods and drink liquids to prevent the formation of blood clots in the socket. It’s also crucial that your child gets enough rest to help the body heal faster. If your child experiences discomfort or swelling, they should use ice packs and take over-the-counter or prescription medications as directed.