Important Pediatric Dental Services

Pediatric dental services help to keep your child’s developing teeth healthy and help with the early detection of abnormalities. A pediatric dentist performs preventative treatments that help to keep your child’s teeth healthy, and they educate parents and their children about ways they can improve their oral hygiene.

Popular pediatric dental services

Great dental health often starts during childhood. Parents should instill good oral hygiene habits in their children early on since these habits are more likely to stick with the child throughout their lives when taught early.

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends taking your child to a dentist at least two times each year so their mouth can be examined and any appropriate treatments performed as needed. A pediatric dentist is recommended for young children since these dentists have additional training on how to treat dental issues that affect children and their growing teeth.

A pediatric dentist also sets up their practice in a way that makes children feel comfortable when they are there. This can be simple things like painting walls with vibrant colors and cartoon characters or using tools and equipment that have been customized for children. Some of the more popular pediatric dental services include:

• Pediatric check-ups: Parents are advised to bring in their children for their first check-up right after their first birthday. During the examination, the dentist will examine the child’s teeth for signs of abnormal development or decay. Based on their findings, the dentist will create a treatment plan that addresses all of the child’s needs
• Pediatric dental cleaning: Pediatric dental cleaning typically starts around the age of three and should continue until adulthood. These cleanings are used to remove plaque and tartar deposits from teeth surfaces. This protects the child’s teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. The latter is less of an issue for children
• Pediatric x-rays: A dentist might recommend one of these to evaluate how a child’s teeth are developing underneath the gums. These diagnostic tests can be used to diagnose a wide range of issues like dental abnormalities, poor teeth alignment, and tooth decay
• Pediatric periodontics: Gum disease is an issue that affects mostly adults, but it can develop in some children due to factors like genetics, poor oral hygiene, or a poor diet. Teeth cleanings can be used to remove tartar deposits and treat the early stages of tooth decay
• Pediatric emergency services: Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, and that includes children. A dental emergency is an issue that requires immediate treatment by a dentist to prevent putting the child’s health at risk. Common examples of dental issues that count as emergencies include infected, broken, or knocked-out teeth
• Special needs services: A pediatric dentist has additional training on how to work with children with special needs. They have the people skills needed to put them at ease, and they offer sedatives that can help to keep the child calm during treatments

Frequently asked questions about pediatric dental services

Here are answers to a few questions you might have about pediatric dental services:

1. When should my child see a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of training on how to provide dental services for children, including those with special needs. Ideally, your child’s first dentist should be a pediatric dentist since they have additional training that helps to keep your child comfortable during their appointments.

Pediatric dentists typically tailor their practices for children by creating an environment where children feel comfortable. A pediatric dentist is also more knowledgeable about how a child’s teeth should develop, making them better suited to notice any abnormalities as a child’s teeth erupt.

2. How can I get my child ready for their first dental appointment?

Parents can prepare their children for their first appointments by mimicking things they might have to do at a dentist. For example, you can play games involving your child opening their mouth as wide as possible -- something they will be asked to do at the dental clinic.

Practicing good oral hygiene also helps to teach children the importance of taking good care of their mouths. Simple things like using a clean washcloth to clean your child’s teeth after meals help to teach them the significance of taking care of their teeth and gums. This makes the child’s experience at the dentist feel more natural.

Parents having a positive attitude about going to the dentist also rubs off on children. Likewise, negative emotions like apprehension can also be picked up by them. 

Get your child the care they need

Call or visit our Reston clinic to set up a consultation with our dentist if your child needs one of the services we provide.

Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.

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