What is pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that prevents and addresses dental issues in growing children.
Within 6-8 months of your child’s birth, they develop their primary teeth, also known as the baby teeth. Later in childhood, these teeth fall out one by one to make way for their secondary, or adult, teeth.
As your child grows, it’s important to take care of both sets of teeth to minimize the chances of oral health complications. The following habits can increase your child’s chances of an oral health issue:
- Keeping a bottle in the mouth for too long
- Going to bed with a bottle
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Using a pacifier too often
- Not swapping the bottle for a sippy cup early enough
Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, is the most common disease among kids in the United States. Similarly, tooth decay is common in kids.
With in-office services and home care tips, the team at Bay View Dental can reduce your child’s chances of experiencing serious oral health complications like these.
Which pediatric dentistry services do kids need?
Just like adults, kids need both preventive dental services and as-needed treatments for conditions and complications. You should bring your child in for a dental visit once every six months.
In-office dental services that your child might need include:
- Routine exams
- Routine cleanings
- Digital X-rays
- Sealants
- Root canal therapy
- Fluoride treatments
- Extractions
Sometime during adolescence, your child develops the last molars in the back of their mouth, called wisdom teeth. Often, there isn’t enough room for these teeth to emerge safely. You might choose to schedule an extraction for them as a precautionary measure.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
You should make oral health a priority for your child early in life. The team at Bay View Dental recommends scheduling the first visit around the time your child’s first baby tooth emerges and no later than their first birthday.
To prepare your child for the first visit, make sure they’re well-rested and fed. You should also brush their teeth before the appointment to get rid of any remaining food from their last meal or snack.
The team at Bay View Dental is great with kids and ready to answer all of your questions about pediatric dentistry. To set up a visit for your child, call Bay View Dental or book online today.
