Dental Hygiene is an integral part of not just an adult but it is also crucial for a child. A routine dental checkup is an essential part of dental hygiene. Visiting a dentist can initially seem daunting; however, it is necessary for complete dental care. Still, the question remains: Is a dentist explicitly taking care of children’s dental care? Yes, a pediatric dentist takes care of children’s oral health from babyhood through adolescence. With appropriate qualifications and experience, they advise children about their teeth, gums, and mouth care throughout the various stages of childhood. This article talks about what a pediatric dentist is, what pediatric dentists do, their education and training, and why you should see a pediatric dentist.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists, also known as pedodontists, are experts of diagnosing and treating dental issues in newborns, adolescents, and teenagers. They concentrate on the unique dental problems that can arise in the gums, teeth, and jaw as the body develops and matures.

Children’s primary teeth emerge within the first six months of life. Around twenty teeth, baby teeth tend to fall out and are replaced by adult or secondary teeth. Although baby teeth do not last until adulthood, it is critical to start caring for them as soon as possible. A lack of primary dental care can result in long-term deterioration and disease.

Children risk developing tooth decay and illness without proper dental care, which can lead to painful consequences. Early childhood dental caries, an infectious condition, affects children five times more than asthma and seven times more than hay fever. One in every five (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years has at least one untreated decayed tooth.

What does a Pediatric Dentist do?

Pediatric dentists provide complete oral health treatment customised to the needs of children and teenagers, which includes the following:

• Infant oral health checkups involve a risk assessment for caries for the mother and the child.
• Cleaning, fluoride treatments, nutrition, and food suggestions for preventive dental care.
• Counselling for bad habits (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking).
• Early evaluation and treatment for teeth straightening and bite correction (orthodontics).
• The dental cavity or defect repair.
• Diagnosis of oral conditions related to diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Gum disease and condition management, including ulcers, short frenulum, mucoceles, and paediatric periodontal disease
• Dental injury treatment (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)

Reasons to see a Paediatric Dentist

Oral health is vital for general wellness. Bacteria abound in the mouth, which is the gateway to the rest of your body. Some bacteria are innocuous, but others can cause sickness. Brushing and flossing, for example, help to keep excess germs under control and avoid illnesses in the mouth and other regions of the body. 

Dental care is especially crucial for youngsters, who are constantly growing. Paediatric dentists educate parents and children on the importance of developing lifelong habits. They also identify and treat disorders in infants and children of all ages, focusing on working with children with unique health needs. 

Here are five reasons to see a Paediatric Dentist. 

1. Keep Cavities and Tooth Decay Away
2. Prevent Bacteria And Infections 
3. Check For Speech And Bite Problems
4. Promote Healthy Habits 
5. Personalized Dental Care