What Is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry refers to dental care specifically for children. The dental needs of children and adolescents vary from that of adults in a few distinct ways. In the case of infants and toddlers, their primary (baby) teeth are still coming in. School-aged children are beginning to shed their primary teeth as the permanent teeth start coming in. Children and adolescents are still growing and developing, which includes their jaw, face, and skull. All of these factors are important when it comes to providing quality dental care.
Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry offers many dental and overall health benefits:
- Prevent tooth decay. Regular pediatric dental visits for teeth cleaning and oral examinations help to prevent tooth decay and keep the teeth healthy.
- Prompt treatment. If there are dental health concerns, they can be detected early by regular oral examinations and treated, such as fillings for cavities.
- Prepare the way for permanent teeth. The primary teeth allow children to chew effectively and develop speech, but they also serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth yield healthy permanent teeth.
- Prevent gum disease. Routine pediatric dental cleanings can prevent gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gums that can become serious when left untreated. Healthy gums provide healthy support for both primary and permanent teeth.
- Early orthodontic monitoring. Pediatric dental exams include an orthodontic screening, which can detect misalignment of the teeth and bite that may need to be treated. In many cases orthodontic treatment won’t be necessary until adolescence, but in some cases there is a need for early orthodontic intervention.
- Establish positive dental experiences. When children get used to going to the dentist from a young age they are less likely to be afraid and develop anxiety associated with dental care.
- Lay the foundation for lifelong dental health. An early start with dental care lays the foundation for a lifetime of dental health.
Procedures Offered
We provide the following pediatric dental services:
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
Contact Us
To learn more, call 915-585-2020 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.