Pediatric dentistry is the treatment of children or teens when it comes to the health and care of their oral cavity. A pediatric dentist can help parents with young children answer the tough questions and teach them how to care for young gums and teeth properly. A pediatric dentist will also be able to tell parents when is the best time to switch the children to a general dentist’s practice.

Pediatric Dental Health

Most dentists recommend that children have their first dental appointment once they have all of their child teeth in place. This can take anywhere from two to three years to develop. Other dentists recommend that parents wait until the children are at least six years old because some parents are reluctant about the behavior of their children. They are worried that their children will either fear the dentist and his utensils or will not be able to sit still long enough to make it through the appointment. Brining your young child to the dentist at an early age will help the child become accustomed to the dentist’s office, the dentist and all of the noises that are associated with the office.

Child Dentists

Child dentists are just that, dentists solely working with children and preteens. These dentists are specially trained and educated in the proper care of young teeth and young gums. Their offices are usually decorated to be kid friendly, so parents don’t have to worry about their children being nervous when seeing the dentist. Child dentists will do anything in their power to make a first time visitor extra relaxed because of the nervousness involved. The dentist, along with the dental assistants, will try to make the child laugh and enjoy the visit. Most dentists, during the first visit, will count teeth. The counting of the teeth can be done in conjunction with the child and helps to calm their nerves as well.

Procedures of Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists perform the same procedures that general dentists perform but on younger patients. They examine the oral cavity for cavities and loose teeth as well as any other possible problems. Pediatric dentists will clean the teeth, with the same instruments used by a general dentist, and this can be bothersome to most children because of the noise and the feel of the equipment on the teeth and gums. Pediatric dentists also take x-rays of children’s oral cavities and even make molds of their teeth. Once the molds are done being used by the dentist they will give the children the mold to take home and show their friends and family. This is another way of helping the children become accustomed to visiting the dentist’s office. A pediatric dentist also provides the children with brand new toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash with each visit to the office. He will also instruct the parents and the children, if the children are old enough, on how to brush and floss properly.