Why is Pediatric Dentistry Important for Kids?

Dental care does not just exist to care for the needs of adults. Children too have oral needs that need the attention of an oral expert in a dental office. This is why there are many kids’ dentists near Phoenix, AZ, ready to attend to the different oral needs of children.

If you have never taken your child to a pediatric dentist in Phoenix, AZ, you should think about doing it right away. Children are ready to visit a dentist as early as infancy. Besides, only a dentist for children can help you properly understand how to manage the dental health of your child through their different stages of growth and development,

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

It is a specialty of dentistry that addresses all the oral needs of children from infancy through their teenage years. The specialty offers both preventive and curative services for children. Pediatric dentistry contains different arms of dentistry, all of which work together to improve the oral health of kids. In that case, pediatric dentistry works closely with other specialties, including orthodontics. Besides, early visits to a dental office are the only way your child can sustain healthier mouths throughout their lives.

Importance of Pediatric Dentistry for Kids

1. They have changing oral needs – the older your child gets, the more changes there are in his/her body, including their mouth. This is why you need a children’s dental specialist who can help care for your child’s teeth through different stages of their lives. For example, your child will not always be dealing with teething problems. Within a few years, you have to think about removing baby teeth and preparing your child for the growth of permanent teeth.
2. To rectify bad oral habits – what you may not acknowledge as a parent is that kids pick up many bad habits as they grow up. While some of them you can help them overcome, it may not always the case. When it comes to caring for your child’s teeth, you need a dental expert to help them rectify bad oral habits. Such habits include fingernail biting, teeth grinding, to mention a few.
3. To foster proper nutrition – children need to be trained and guided when it comes to making proper and healthy food choices. If your child remains stubborn regarding their inclination to sugary foods like candy, for example, they are likely to have dental cavities at a very early age. Instead, you can have a dentist for children to help your child learn how to eat healthily and enjoy such meals while at it.
4. To preserve the appearance of their smile – as your child is growing, the space in their oral cavity changes as well. However, if this change does not account for the size of the permanent adult teeth that grow, later on, your child will have a compromised smile. This often translates to an overcrowded mouth, where teeth overlap. With pediatric dentistry, dentists incorporate orthodontics measures early in the life of your child, therefore, preserving the appearance of their smile right from a young age.
5. Teaching them about proper oral hygiene – getting your child to brush their teeth every night before going to bed is not all there is to proper oral health. As your child grows up, they need to master different techniques that can help them excel in oral hygiene. Part of the technique includes regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments done in a dental office. Children will also learn about how much toothpaste to use when brushing teeth, how often to brush teeth, the right way to move the toothbrush without hurting the gums, how to floss, to mention a few.
6. To protect their teeth against infections – dental cavities are the most common types of infections among children. When kids are between the age of 6 and 14, they are the most prone to dental cavities. These are infections that damage the enamel of teeth, causing dental decay that can result in premature tooth loss. To protect your child from such infections, a dentist for kids will incorporate different dental procedures. Some of the procedures include fluoride treatment, dental sealants, among others.