A visit to the dentist can be an intimidating experience for anyone of any age, but it is those who are the youngest among us who are often the most anxious about it. Because visiting a dental practice can be scary for a child, many parents choose to take their children to a dentist for kids in Chino. But pediatric dentists do more than make your child feel comfortable. Below we have answered the most frequently asked questions about pediatric dentists, starting with:
How Does A Pediatric Dentist Differ From A Family Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are dentists who are dedicated to providing oral health care for children from their earliest days right through to when they are teens. They are also trained to perform oral health care for children with special needs.
A family dentist and a dentist for kids both need to complete four years of dental school and pass a rigorous set of exams in order to perform dental work for anyone. But pediatric dentists will spend an additional two or three years in residency training so that they are able to deliver high-quality care to infants, kids, teens and special needs children.
Do I Really Need A Pediatric Dentist?
The most important thing is to ensure that you child receives some form of dental treatment early on. Most family dentists are not accustomed to treating the teeth and gums of infants and toddlers, with some practices outright refusing to accept patients who are under a certain age.
A pediatric dentist is trained and qualified to provide additional care for young children. Some of these special services include:
- Infant oral health exams
- Oral habit counseling
- Early orthodontic detection and treatment
- Diagnosing oral conditions associated with diseases which may be affecting you child (such as diabetes, asthma, and attention deficit disorder)
A dentist for kids will also be able to help manage gum disease, broken or fractured teeth, as well as provide preventative dental care such as cleaning and fluoride treatments.
Are Baby Teeth Really That Important?
Also known as primary teeth, baby teeth – while temporary – are incredibly important to the health and well-being of your child. Having healthy teeth allows you child to properly enunciate and chew his or her food properly. Healthy baby teeth also helps ensure that the permanent adult teeth have a straight path to follow when they come in.
When Should I Take My Child To A Pediatric Dentist?
Many parents wait until their child is between the ages of 3 and 5, however most dental professionals now recommend that they see you child as soon as their first tooth appears (this is typically between 4 to 6 months of age). Failing that, it is a good idea that your child sees a dentist before his or her first birthday.
Contact us to manage a gum disease, broken or fractured teeth, as well as preventative form dental care such as cleaning and fluoride treatments.
