Per the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, up to 51 million hours of school time are lost every year because of dental-related illnesses. Another disturbing figure concerns cavities, with nearly 19% of children having untreated cavities between the ages of 2 and 19 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means even more school time could be missed due to a dental illness. Above all else, it is an indicator of how important dentistry for children is, especially from a pediatric dentist.
Isn’t every dentist the same? Not entirely. A pediatric dentist has accomplished two more years of training that is specifically dedicated to children’s oral health. Infants, young children, pre-teens, and teens all require different dental approaches when it comes to dealing with the guidance of dental growth as well as development. Essentially, a pediatric dentist plays a vital role when it comes to avoiding future dental difficulties. Pediatric dentists are the best qualified to provide dental care for children of all ages. You want to ensure that your child gets the very best dental care. That’s why it is imperative that they see a pediatric dentist regularly.
Children can have many different dental needs throughout the course of their childhood. Innovative pediatric dentistry services can include many services such as preventive care, oral hygiene, cleanings, dental emergencies, dental x-rays, removal of tooth decay, crowns, restoration composite fillings, root canals, extractions, nerve treatments, concentrated training for patients that have special needs, infant oral health visits, and much more. Overall, there are many benefits that consistent pediatric dental care provides.
One of the best reasons to take your child to see a children’s dentist is so they develop great oral healthcare habits. In order for a child to enjoy great oral health as an adult, they need to be taught healthy oral hygiene habits at a very young age. Visiting a pediatric dentist helps children learn how to correctly use a toothbrush and floss. They will also learn about cavities and how they can be prevented. When good oral health habits are formed early, they tend to follow a child through their lifetime.
Fears, as well as good habits, tend to form at young ages. Fearing the dentist is actually quite common, especially if a child isn’t socialized in a dental setting while they are young. Going to the dentist teaches more than good habits, it also eases the fear of what happens during dental appointments.
An obvious benefit of pediatric dentistry is that it keeps children’s mouths healthy and clean. Frequent visits help keep track of your child’s teeth. Regular cleanings are necessary so potential issues can be detected as early as possible. The more you take your child to see a pediatric dentist, the better off their oral health will be in the future.
Preventing tooth decay is an added benefit of seeing a pediatric dentist regularly. They provide necessary children’s dental services that prevent cavities as well as other forms of gum and tooth decay. Cavities need to be detected in baby teeth, especially. It is critical to know if a toddler is suffering from such decay since a lack of care may lead to severe tooth issues as they continue to grow.
Dental treatments can be as simple as cleanings or as complex as extractions. The point is you won’t know much about your child’s oral health without visiting a pediatric dentist. Keep frequent appointments so you can relax knowing your child is getting the best possible dental care.
