A key goal of pediatric dentistry is establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early to promote long-term oral health. With guidance from a pediatric dentist, parents can help their children understand how to maintain clean and healthy teeth at home. This early exposure can make healthy habits — like brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and eating a tooth-healthy diet — second nature. Thus, pediatric dentistry is essential to laying the groundwork for these foundational practices, leading to better dental outcomes into adulthood.
Pediatric dentistry is important for a child’s oral health as they grow up and long after they become an adult. Early dental experiences can shape how a patient approaches oral healthcare for the rest of their life, resulting in healthier teeth, fewer complications, and long-term cost savings. A pediatric dentist strives to teach children healthy habits regarding oral care while also introducing them to dental work in a comfortable environment.
Helping the child feel safe and supported even during a dental cleaning sets the stage for future oral care. According to a 2021 study in a peer-reviewed journal, Children, it also decreases their chances of developing dental anxiety or carrying dental fears into adulthood. In other words, pediatric dentistry takes a proactive approach to fostering a lifetime of healthy dental habits and a positive attitude toward oral health care.
The dental team at a pediatric dentistry practice will take a kid-friendly approach to oral care. They curate a positive environment, such as by stocking the waiting room with toys and children’s magazines. Once in the dentist’s chair, the pediatric dentist can answer any questions the child has, and they will encourage the child to speak up and ask for breaks when needed. Parents may also bring their children’s comfort items, such as a doll or stuffed animal, to the appointment.
Pediatric dentistry may stop oral health problems before they have a chance to develop. A pediatric dentist can accomplish this through preventive care such as:
Prevention and early detection of oral health problems can lead to fewer or less invasive treatments in the future. It also saves the child from discomfort related to cavities, gum disease, or more invasive and intensive dental work that would be needed to treat them.
Pediatric dentists also offer restorative services to treat oral health problems. These include minor treatments such as dental fillings for cavities and more extensive work like deep dental cleanings for gum disease, dental crowns, tooth extractions, and tooth replacements. The dentist and their team will emphasize the child’s comfort at every step toward restoring their smile.
By introducing pediatric dentistry early, parents can help children adopt good oral health habits that benefit them for a lifetime. Schedule your child’s next appointment with our team at {{PHONE}}. We deliver premier dental care to families in Phoenix and nearby.
Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ.
Cavity treatment for kids is a chief concern among parents, and for a good reason. Cavities are common in children of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in a primary tooth. The good news is…
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral problems that occur in children. Many dental issues in kids are similar to those that occur in adults. Without proper treatment, dental problems can progress to misaligned teeth and poor oral health. If you want to maintain your child’s dental health, here are the common dental issues that pediatric…
In their early years, your youngster is still a novice in brushing and flossing their teeth, meaning that cleaning your child's teeth in that period is your responsibility. Cleaning the teeth is a skill that the child should learn. Your role is to educate your youngster on how to keep their mouths clean and healthy.…
When does my child need pediatric dentistry? This is a question that many parents often ask. The answer may vary depending on the opinion of the pediatric dentist. However, most pediatric dentists believe that a child should go to pediatric dentistry by their first birthday.A child needs to get used to the dentist at an…
We all want our children to have straight, healthy teeth; clear braces for teens (or invisible braces) for teens are an excellent solution compared to traditional braces. Thankfully, modern dentistry has made major improvements in braces technology that makes them more effective and more comfortable, and invisible. Now there’s no longer a need to worry…
Dental sealants are one of the most powerful preventive care treatments for kids. Because children are especially vulnerable to cavities, parents need all the help they can get to help their kids fight tooth decay. Through this simple and pain-free procedure, your child can get powerful and long-lasting cavity protection on some of their most…