Even at a young age, your child needs proper dental care. It is why clinics offer pediatric dentistry services to ensure that your child’s oral health is cared for early on.
What does a kids’ dentist do?
Your Markham dentist makes the environment safe and friendly for young patients. The following are the main roles of a dental professional who specializes in pediatric dentistry.
Education
A pediatric dentist uses dental technology to assess your child’s oral health. They will recommend dental care habits for oral hygiene and the prevention of oral problems.
Intervention
Your child undergoes continuous monitoring for every regular dental visit. Your dentist ensures that your child is safe from oral issues. They do this by addressing minor problems right away through the recommendation of orthodontic treatment.
Examples of dental service interventions you can expect for your child may be:
- A mouth-guard for teeth grinding
- Braces for malocclusion (incorrect bite)
- Dental sealants for cavities
- Reconstructive surgery for a broken tooth
Standard procedures for pediatric dentistry
The following are some of the procedures you can expect during your kid’s dental visit.
Dental x-rays
Your child’s teeth structures change rapidly, and this is normal for young patients. Hence, they need more x-rays than you do. Dental x-rays are an excellent means to identify any risks for tooth decay.
Dental cleaning
A dentist or dental hygienist reviews the medical history of your child and discusses it with you. Once done, your child undergoes a physical assessment before the cleaning procedure.
Your child needs to undergo at least one x-ray session in a year. Pediatric dentistry services that follow after the x-ray procedure are essential. These treatments protect your child from potential risks of tooth damage.
Tooth fillings
Children enjoy eating sweets, and tooth decay is an oral issue that begins even among young patients. If your child fails to brush and floss twice a day, they become more exposed to teeth damage.
When combined with sugar, bacteria can eat away at your child’s enamel. Once this happens, it also exposes the gum tissue to inflammation.
To save your child from getting a tooth extraction, a dentist near you can repair the tooth after removing cavities.
Extractions
In severe cases of tooth decay, your child will need to have a tooth extraction. However, they may still undergo the procedure even in the absence of damage.
Your kid’s dentist may recommend extractions for your child’s crowded teeth to ensure proper alignment of the permanent teeth.
Oral issues like gap teeth or crowded teeth may call for the procedure to correct the spacing in the jawbone.
Take your child to your Markham dentist every six months for dental checkups. Doing so allows your dentist to monitor your child’s oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
At what age should my child first visit a dentist?
Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
Why is pediatric dentistry important for children?
Pediatric dentistry helps detect oral issues early, supports healthy tooth development, and teaches good dental habits from a young age.
How often should my child see a dentist?
Most children should visit the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. Dental X-rays use very low radiation levels and are safe for children when used as needed to monitor tooth development.
What treatments are common in pediatric dentistry?
Common treatments include cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and early orthodontic assessments.
When would a child need a tooth extraction?
Extractions may be recommended for severe decay, infection, or to help create space for permanent teeth to grow properly.
