
Pediatric Dentistry | Woodshore Family Dentistry
Pediatric dentists are children’s dental care specialists who have undergone special training for children’s dental care. They can take care of your child’s physical and emotional comfort while providing the best dental care.
Pediatric Dentistry
All general dentists that have graduated from an accredited university can handle dental treatment for patients of all ages, including young children and teenagers. But it’s still important to consult a pediatric dentist to ensure optimal dental care for your children. That’s because dental treatment for children often differs from that for adults. A pediatric dentist is someone who is specially certified and trained in dental treatment for children. Please continue reading for a detailed overview of the necessity of a pediatric dentist.
Table of contents
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
How Important is Dental Care for Children?
When Should be the First Dental Visit of a Child?
Why do you Need Pediatric Dental Specialists?
Child-Specific Preventive Dental Specialties
Use of Child-Friendly Devices
Child-Friendly Environment
Oral Health Care Routine
What Dental Clinic is Best for Children?
How does a Pediatric Dentist Treat Children?
FAQs
Schedule an Appointment
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are children’s dental care specialists who have undergone special training for children’s dental care. They are best suited to deal with young children and teenagers because they understand the complexities of their teeth and gums. Furthermore, a pediatric dentist also has the sensitivity training necessary to deal with young children.
How Important is Dental Care for Children?
Dental care for children is extremely important and should never be underestimated. Children get their first baby teeth when they’re as young as 6 months and they start losing their baby teeth by the time they are 6 or 7 years of age.
A number of complications can arise during this transitional period between baby teeth and permanent teeth. Furthermore, children are less likely to maintain perfect oral hygiene habits, which makes them more likely to suffer from cavities or gum disease. Children also often suffer from dental caries and various other complications associated with baby teeth.
Considering all of these factors, dental care for children is crucial.
When Should be the First Dental Visit of a Child?
You should bring your child for their first dental visit as soon as their baby teeth start coming in at the age of 6 or 12 months. During the first couple of visits, your child will simply get acquainted with the dentist and the dental clinic and vice versa. This will allow the child to be comfortable around dental clinics and it will give our pediatric dentist a good understanding of your child’s specific dental needs.
Why do you Need Pediatric Dental Specialists?
People often underestimate the need for pediatric dental specialists and take their children to regular general dentists. However, the following are some specific reasons you should take your kids to children’s dental care specialists.
Child-Specific Preventive Dental Specialties
As previously mentioned, kids start losing their first baby teeth around the age of 6 and there may be various complications during the transition period between baby teeth and permanent teeth. The permanent teeth may not come out properly or may start erupting while the baby teeth are still in place. The child may also suffer from infection dental caries and other complications. If you don’t manage your child’s dental health correctly, they’ll develop dental issues that will stay with them throughout adulthood. A pediatric dentist understands these issues perfectly and they can provide specific preventive dental specialties so your child doesn’t have to go through complications and serious gum disease and other dental issues.
Use of Child-Friendly Devices
General dentists treat children with regular adult-sized dental equipment and devices. These are also effective and can treat your child’s dental issues. But there are several issues with these. They may cause your child some discomfort because they’ll be too big for your child’s mouth. They also look fairly intimidating and scary, which will make your child less likely to come back for future dental appointments. A pediatric dentist, however, uses child-friendly devices that are designed colorfully and the right size so they cater to the child’s physical and emotional comfort. Pediatric dentists also usually introduce the devices and equipment one-by-one and in a manner that the child doesn’t find them intimidating.
Child-Friendly Environment
If you have children, you’re probably aware that they’re generally terrified of dental appointments. You might even have memories from your own childhood that haunt you. That’s understandable considering most dental clinics are extremely, well, clinical in appearance. Everything looks white, sterile, and metallic. However, pediatric dental care clinics are just the opposite — they are bright, colorful, and inviting. They also include a wide range of toys and distractions that can keep the child preoccupied so they aren’t terrified of their dental appointments.
Oral Health Care Routine
A pediatric dentist will also teach your kids the value of a good oral health care routine and how to manage their own teeth. They will convey the information in a manner that the child is likely to absorb better. This will help them manage their oral health better, which will reduce the likelihood of dental issues.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
This place is great! Everyone is so kind and very professional. The dentist is awesome also. He takes the time to listen and gives you all the options with no pressure. They are also great with kids here. My 10 and 3 year old also do well when they come here. I highly recommend this place for anyone who wants great care for their teeth.
Laura H.
The entire office is very friendly. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I really appreciated the extra time each Doctor took to review my medical history. Very gentle, kind and confident dental care.
Paula H.
I can’t say enough about my experience at this dental office! The entire staff was very friendly, from the second I walked in to the time I walked out. The doctor took the time to explain all that was going on, and he was very gentle in his approach which is what I like. Highly recommend this place!
Shaan
Me and my wife had been looking for a new dentist and we finally found them. This group of people are great. Extremely courteous and good at what they do. I couldn’t be more pleased with our new dentists and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Paul S.
The staff was so friendly and helpful. You can tell they really care about their patients and love what they do. They all made the experience really easy & comfortable. Highly recommend!
Kurstie P.
Hadn’t been to the dentist in 3 years because I just didn’t like it… tried this one out. Very kind and professional staff, friendly, outgoing, made me feel welcome. Definitely would recommend this dentist
Meena D.
The office is very clean and my daughter loved the tv in the ceiling to watch while her work was being done. Thanks again to the staff and doctor for making her feel comfortable.
Michael J.
Great customer service from check in to check out! It was my daughter’s first dental appointment and the staff made her very comfortable!
Santanna W.
The staff was very welcoming and friendly! Dr. Pattni explained my plan thoroughly and made sure I was comfortable during my treatment which I really appreciated. They also perform orthodontic work at affordable prices which is great because now I only have to go to one office for all of my dental needs. Not to mention the decor, ambiance, and state-of-the-art equipment is truly exceptional! Will definitely be coming back!
Anjani P.
What Dental Clinic is Best for Children?
When looking for a pediatric dental care clinic, you should focus on the following factors:
- The pediatric dentist should have finished four years of education from a reputable university.
- The pediatric dentist should have finished a minimum of two years of residency at a reputable institute with a special focus on pediatric dentistry.
- The pediatric dentist should also have experience with special-needs children.
- You should interview the pediatric dentist to ensure that they have a friendly attitude that will put your kids at ease.
- The pediatric dental care clinic should be bright, colorful, and inviting for children.
How does a Pediatric Dentist Treat Children?
During your dental visit, the pediatric dentist will treat your children in the following ways:
- Oral exam that will help the pediatric dentist avoid diseases and they’ll also carry out a risk assessment for dental caries.
- Regular dental cleaning and fluoride rinsing treatments to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar, therefore avoiding gum disease and dental issues.
- Educating both the parents and the kids about how to maintain their oral health perfectly.
- Providing extensive counseling sessions to help children break bad oral habits like thumb sucking.
- Orthodontic treatments that will help the dentist treat misaligned or crooked teeth.
- Dental treatments with which the dentist can fill cavities and repair dental damages.
- The pediatric dentist can also diagnose and treat diseases like asthma and hay fever in a timely manner.
- Immediate treatments for dental injuries and fractures.
How should I brush my baby’s tooth?
After the first tooth comes out, you must get a baby toothbrush. You have two options for baby toothbrushes. First, a long-handled toothbrush that you can hold with your baby. Second, a finger-toothbrush you can attach to the top of your point finger. Please ensure that the toothbrush has soft bristles.
When should I schedule my child’s first children’s dental cleaning session?
Think of it this way: first tooth = first children’s dental cleaning. Ideally, you should schedule the first children’s dental cleaning session a few months after the first tooth erupts or when they’re 12 months old.
What happens during the first children’s dental cleaning session?
The first children’s dental cleaning appointment is usually pretty short and simple, though no less important than any other. During the first children’s dental cleaning, our dentist will get to know your child and develop the start of a relationship. The dentist will also examine your child’s teeth and gums to do a brief risk assessment. The dentist will proceed to gently clean your child’s teeth and apply fluoride. The dentist may also take an X-ray to better understand your child’s teeth and take care of them as they erupt over the next months or years.
How do I prepare my child for their first children’s dental cleaning?
The best thing you can do is relax and remain positive. Children are like sponges, absorbing your energy. If you’re calm and happy, your child will happily follow you to the clinic. If you panic, your child may also panic. However, you can tell them a little about what they can expect and show them pictures of our staff and dental clinic to get them pumped for their first children’s dental cleaning!
FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
How to Care for your Child’s Dental Hygiene?
This applies to all parents of young children. You can maintain your child’s oral health by following these tips:
- Before your child gets their first teeth, you should wipe their gums regularly with a wet piece of cloth.
- Use child-specific toothbrushes to keep your infant’s baby teeth clean.
- Take your child for a dental visit as soon as their first tooth comes in.
- Schedule regular dental cleaning sessions with your pediatric dentist as this can prevent gum disease and other issues from occurring.
Best Pediatric Dentist Near Me
At Woodshore Family Dentistry, we have some of the best children’s dental care specialists who are extremely friendly and can take care of your child’s dental health from infancy through their teenage years. For more information, please schedule an appointment with the best pediatric dentist near your location.