What Makes Dentists for Children Different
Going to the dentist can be scary for a child. The dentist’s office is full of frightening equipment, loud noises, and people who want to put sharp-looking things in their mouth. When you’re just a little person trying to understand the big world, going to the dentists for children can be a big experience. So when you’re looking for a dentist for your children, consider a few things that make pediatric dentists truly different.
Specialized Training
All dentists have to complete an undergraduate
degree, then they continue to dental school. Similar to a medical school,
dentists must not only pass a series of academic exams but also demonstrate
proficiency in working with actual patients. In addition to classic dental
training, pediatric dentists also complete two years of residency training to
become specialized dentists for children.
Specialized Equipment
When you go to a children’s dentist, you will
immediately notice similarities to an elementary school. Most places that are
designed for children cater to their smaller size, including having smaller
chairs and specialized equipment to fit in a child’s mouth. A proper pediatric
dentist should have smaller equipment that is designed to get in the tiny
cracks between children’s teeth, as well as fun flavors like bubble gum that
will cater to kids. Some kids dentists will even order flavored gloves, so that
the kids won’t be grossed out by the taste of latex in their mouths.
Child-Specific Procedures
Children’s mouths are still developing as they grow. As soon as you see your infant’s teeth come in, you should be aware of how the teeth are coming in making sure they are being taken care properly by being cleaned every day. Then, children go through another round of teeth in mid-childhood, during their elementary years. There are a lot of issues that can come with crowded or impacted teeth, which can be incredibly specialized. Dentists for children often work with pediatric orthodontists as well, and can help refer you to the right professionals if your child is having trouble with crowded teeth that may need straightening.
In addition, one of the biggest issues with children’s teeth are cavities. Because children’s mouths can sometimes be hard to clean, they can develop cavities quickly and not be sure how to communicate the problem to an adult. With regular visits to the dentist, your child will not only learn the correct way to care for their teeth, but they will also be able to catch cavities quickly and fix them before they become a larger problem.
Child-Specific Injuries
Although nobody likes to see it happen,
children sometimes hurt themselves. It can be especially dangerous for a child
who has been injured in the mouth, as they can be at a risk of swallowing a
loose tooth or having an infection from an improperly treated injury. If a
child is ever hit in the mouth and there is blood or the child complains of
ongoing mouth pain, schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist to have
their teeth examined thoroughly.
What Dentists for Children Do
Most pediatric dentists perform regular cleanings, X-rays,
fillings, and minor oral surgeries or urgent care. Although children don’t
often need advanced procedures such as root canals, bridges, or false teeth, it
can happen. If your child is in an extreme dental situation where they may need
advanced oral surgery or dental care, start with a pediatric dentist who can
thoroughly evaluate your child’s condition and refer you to the appropriate professional
who can help you get the care your children need.
Dentists for Children Love Kids
The one thing to always remember is that any professional who specializes in their field with the goal of working with children is a person who loves children! Pediatric dentists are caring people who want your child to have good oral health and pleasant, anxiety-free experiences at the dentist’s office. We know that some children have already had a bad experience, and we want to help fix that! With comfortable, caring facilities and warm, welcoming team members, a caring office of dentists for children should be able to help your child get on the path to a long, healthy relationship with their teeth.