For which side of patients does a pediatric dentist focus on providing oral healthcare?

Does being a kid feel like a century ago? Well, for most adults it does and we often forget our little ones are not like us adults. They go through unique stages of development, oral disease, behavior, and oral health needs. A pediatric dentist near you specializes in the promotion and maintenance of a child’s dental health. Your child’s pediatric dentist in Spruce Grove strives to improve their oral health from infancy to their teenage years. Pediatric dentistry encompasses all aspects of oral care, providing your child with preventive and restorative dental care.

• Completed a minimum of four years of dental school.

• Two additional years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, and teenagers with special needs.

A pediatric dentist is specially trained and equipped to address problems that are particular to your child. Examples of this would include, dental development difficulties and root canals. If your child is anxious about visiting a dental office, the unpleasant feeling can manifest into poor behavior and cooperation from your little one.

A child’s first dental visit should take place once their first tooth erupts. This is an ideal time for your child’s dentist to precisely examine the development of their mouth. Dental problems usually begin early, which means the sooner the visit, the better.

Preparing Your Child

Traumatic or negative dental experiences from the past can progress to dental anxiety later on in life. You will want to prepare your child for their first visit because you want this appointment to be as positive as possible. Before your child’s appointment at the dental clinic near you, speak with their pediatric dentist in Spruce Grove that way there are no surprises for both you, and your child. After discussing with the dentist near you, you will want to plan a course of action, this will help to manage your child’s expectations and reaction to their visit. You will want to have an open discussion with your child, centered around what they should expect to build excitement and understanding. Any medical records should be brought to your child’s visit.

Pediatric Services

You can expect your child’s pediatric dentist in Spruce Grove to provide comprehensive oral care, which includes the following services:

• Oral health exams-assessing their risk of cavities and tooth decay.

• Preventive dentistry-a dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, nutrition, and diet recommendations.

• Habit counseling-pacifier use and thumb sucking.

• Early assessment and treatment for dental aligners and bite alignment.

• Dental fillings.

• Diagnosis-oral cancer conditions linked to diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay, fever, and attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity.

• Gum disease management-as well as management of other conditions such as ulcers, short frenula, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease.

• Dental injury treatment-teeth that are fractured, displaced or knocked out.

Where Can I Find a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists in Spruce Grove practice in a range of different areas, including private practices, dental schools, as well as medical centers. You can easily find a pediatric dentist near you by simply typing the words “pediatric dentist near me or dental clinic in Spruce Grove”.

Now let’s move onto the top reasons you should choose a pediatric dentist:

1. They specialize in child-friendly equipment

The equipment they use is smaller and specifically designed for a child’s mouth. A pediatric dentist will usually introduce one piece of equipment at a time in order not to overwhelm or intimidate children.

2. Bright décor and toys

A pediatric dental office near you will have bright colored décor, toys, and games in the waiting room. This will help your child feel like they are in a safe space.

3. A focus on preventive care

Pediatric dentists focus on preventive care, to ensure a future of good oral health. For example, they can provide you with advice on developing healthy habits like using the proper brushing technique.

Pediatric dentistry (formerly Pedodontics/Paedodontics) primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence.  The American Dental Association (ADA), recognizes pediatric dentistry as a specialty, and therefore requires dentists to undertake two or three years of additional training after completing a general dentistry degree.  At the end of this training, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry issues a unique diploma (Diplomate ABPD).  Some pediatric dentists (pedodontists) opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs, specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.

One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology.  Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.”  Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Pediatric dentists fulfill many important functions pertaining to the child’s overall oral health and hygiene.  They place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Other important functions include:

Education – Pediatric dentists educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy.  In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, pediatric dentists are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen.  Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.

Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay.  In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, pediatric dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb- sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.

Intervention – In some cases, pediatric dentists may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents.  In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please contact our office.

Related Procedures

Back

For which type of patients does a pediatric dentist focus on providing oral healthcare?

What types of procedures provided in a pediatric dental office include?

What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?

Which is included in an extra oral examination of a child patient?