What Is the Role of Pediatric Dentistry in the Oral Health of a Child?

If you do not understand the role of pediatric dentistry in the life of your child you should be attempting to learn more from professionals in this field that are part of the medical fraternity. A pediatric dentist is a professional that has received additional training of the specialized variety for three years after completing dental school. He or she is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. Young children, preteens, and teenagers all need a different approach when dealing with their behavior for guiding their dental growth and development while assisting them to avoid dental problems in the future. A pediatric dentist is the best qualified professional to meet these requirements.

Why Children’s Primary Teeth Are Important?

Maintaining the health of the primary teeth is extremely important and treating cavities can frequently lead to problems that affect the growth of the developing permanent teeth. The baby teeth or primary teeth must be given importance because they can assist with proper eating and chewing, provide space for the permanent teeth to erupt and guide them into the correct position and permit proper development of the jaw bones and muscles. These teeth can also affect the development of the child’s speech and add to their appearance. The front teeth usually fall off in 6 to 7 years but the back teeth are not replaced until the age of 12 or 13.

When Do Children’s Teeth Erupt?

You may be surprised to understand the children’s teeth begin forming even before birth and as early as when they are just four months old. At this stage, the first primary teeth of the child begin to erupt in the form of lower central incisors followed by the upper central incisors. By the age of three, the child would have developed all 20 primary teeth at various speeds. Permanent teeth begin to appear around the age of six beginning with the first molars and lower central incisors. The procedure continues until the child is 21 years of age. Adults have 28 permanent or up to 32 including their wisdom teeth.

Prenatal and Infant Oral Care

The American Academy of pediatric dentistry has recommended that all pregnant women must receive oral healthcare and counseling during pregnancy. Research is available to prove that periodontal disease can increase the risks of premature birth and low birth weight. Additionally, women with poor oral health are at risk of passing bacteria that cause cavities among children. Women are suggested to follow the simple guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria for the benefit of the child.

• Visit their dentist regularly.
• Brush and floss every day to reduce bacterial plaque.
• Have a proper diet by limiting foods and beverages high in sugars.
• Avoid sharing utensils or food which can potentially cause the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria among children.

The First Visit of the Child to Kids Dentistry

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest parents should establish a dental home for their children by the age of one. This is because children that have access to this facility will receive appropriate, preventive and routine oral healthcare in the dental home. It also serves as a dental home for the parents rather than emergency rooms in hospitals. The first visit of the child to kids’ dentistry must be made enjoyable and positive. The child should be informed about the trip to make sure he or she understands that the dentist and their staff will explain any or all procedures while answering questions as well. Words that may cause fear in a child are better avoided as they can lead to anxiousness in the child.

Pediatric Dentistry Can Help Your Child Learn the Benefits of Good Oral Health

The pediatric dentist in Dental Arts Seminole will stress the need for children to have healthy eating habits to develop healthy teeth. It is commonly noted that children are accustomed to having snacks that are usually the culprits in developing cavities. The frequent snacking habits of the child also cause cavities as food particles continue to remain in the mouth.

The parent of the child must discuss these factors with the dentist in Seminole, FL, to understand how they can help their child to pick up habits of having a proper diet with foods from the five major food groups. Parents must also spend time supervising the oral healthcare of their child during the initial years by trying to gather as much information as possible about pediatric dentistry and how it has an important role to play in the child’s oral health. Parents cannot assume a visit to a pediatric dentist will be sufficient to improve the oral health of their child but must attempt to participate actively with the dentist to provide the best possible care for their child.