Pediatric dentistry is a branch of medicine that specializes in the management of dental and oral health issues in children.

Pediatric dentists, also called the pedodontists, are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in infants, children, and adolescents. They focus on the specific dental issues that could develop in the teeth, gums, jaws, and other parts of the oral cavity as these tissues grow and develop.

Taking your child to a pediatric dentist regularly after the age of 8 to 12 months could ensure he would have proper screening and treatment to prevent any dental issues in the future.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

A pediatric dentist can provide comprehensive oral and dental health care based on the body’s needs during the phase of growth and development in children and teenagers.

A pediatric dentist provides:

• Oral health examination
• Teeth cleaning
• Early diagnosis and treatment to straighten the alignment of teeth and correct a misaligned bite
• Fluoride treatments
• Cavity filling
• Management of gum diseases to prevent severe pediatric periodontal disease
• Repair of dental injuries like displaced or fractured teeth
• Early detection of dental or oral health conditions that can result from asthma, diabetes, hay fever, or ADHD

Reasons to visit a pediatric dentist

Dental health plays a vital role in the overall growth and development of the child. The oral cavity, which is the point of entry to the rest of the body, is vulnerable to the exposure to bacteria some of which could be harmful and cause diseases. Establishing good dental hygiene, like brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning, can keep the excess bacteria under control and prevent infections in the teeth, mouth, as well as other parts of the body.

Hence, consistent dental care and regular visits to a pediatric dentist are important for children.

Pediatric dentists can teach children and their parents the importance of creating healthy habits to last a lifetime. They can also help in the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions in infants and children and are specialized in working with kids with special health needs.

What are the common tests recommended by a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists specialize in making the experience of visiting a dentist more comfortable for children. The pediatric dental offices usually have special decorations that appeal to children and young patients.

Parents should take the child to a pediatric dentist for the general assessment of oral and dental health on a regular basis. It is advisable to visit the pediatric dentist about 6 months after the first tooth of the child appears. The first visit usually lasts for 30 to 45 minutes.

During the routine oral health examination with a pediatric dentist, you may expect:

• A brief discussion about the child’s oral and dental health
• Discussion about the child’s brushing and flossing habits
• An oral examination to assess the growth of the teeth, gums, bite, jaws, and the other oral tissues
• Teeth cleaning or polishing to remove the plaque, stains, or tartar

What conditions are treated by a pediatric dentist?

• Dental caries
• Dental cavities
• Delay in the eruption primary or secondary tooth
• Tooth infections
• Toothache
• Misalignment of a tooth
• Misalignment of a bite

Recovery period

At King’s, our pediatric dentist have decades of experience in treating children with oral and dental issues. Depending on the type and severity of the condition, children may need about half an hour to a few days to recover completely.

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