A pediatric dentist is a dental professional who treats the oral health of children, from infancy through teenage years. A pediatric dentist has additional training in the dental needs of children. They have the qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood.

When should children see the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first visit between one and six months after their first tooth arrives. This appointment provides an opportunity for your child to get acquainted with their dentist, reduce their anxiety and fear related to dental procedures, and help establish good oral hygiene habits. Establishing these good habits early on will help ensure your child develops healthy smiles throughout their life.

You should also schedule regular dental checkups every six months after your child’s first birthday to ensure their teeth are developing correctly and maintaining their beautiful smiles. Over time, your pediatric dentist may notice changes to your child’s smile or jaw and recommend orthodontic care as necessary to help them develop a healthy bite and beautiful straight teeth.

Your child should see their pediatric dentist regularly not only to maintain their health, but to help detect any oral health issues early as well. With early detection and proper treatment, we can help minimize the risk of developing additional complications in the future and ensure your child maintains their beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime.

If your child is due for a checkup and cleaning, we invite you to schedule an appointment at our practice today. We look forward to helping your child maintain a beautiful, healthy smile and look forward to seeing you soon!

At our office, we offer comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages, including children and adolescents. For more information about the importance of visiting the dentist by age and to schedule an appointment with our skilled and experienced team, we welcome you to call or visit us today. We are eager to care for your smile!

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dental care includes procedures that are intended to keep your child’s teeth healthy and free of cavities and gum disease. These procedures are performed at the recommended schedule for your child, determined by the pediatric dentist. Typically, this involves exams and cleanings twice a year. The exam entails measuring and monitoring the development of your child’s teeth and bite, as well as screening for tooth decay or early signs of gum disease. Cleanings include the removal of plaque buildup from the surfaces of the teeth and gums. This can help prevent further dental problems down the road or detect them in time to treat these problems before they worsen and cause irreversible damage to your child’s smile.

What is a cavity?

Cavities, or caries as they’re sometimes called, are tiny holes that form on the surfaces of the teeth. These occur when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars and carbohydrates into an acid that eats away at the protective enamel coating of the tooth. This leads to the formation of a hole that can eventually become larger if untreated. While cavities can occur on any surface of any tooth, the most common teeth to develop them are molars in the back of the mouth. A dentist can diagnose tooth decay during routine check-ups and recommend treatment if necessary. For minor cases of decay, a dentist may treat the tooth with a filling. For more severe cases of tooth decay, a dental crown may be recommended.

Children who frequently drink sugary drinks like soda or juice are at a greater risk of developing cavities. Limiting these drinks and brushing or flossing regularly can help prevent the formation of new cavities. Older patients are also more likely to experience tooth decay if they don’t brush and floss as well as they should. Additionally, certain medications can affect saliva production or cause dry mouth which can lead to an increased risk of developing cavities. Regular care and good oral hygiene at home is the best way to prevent tooth decay. This can help to protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

What are baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD)?

Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) is a serious type of early childhood caries that can easily develop in babies and toddlers who consume sugary beverages like milk, formula or juice from a bottle while sleeping. When these fluids pool around the your child’s teeth for long periods of time, the sugars in the liquid feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. This can result in severe cavities in the teeth and damage that can spread to the growing adult teeth that are developing underneath.

To help prevent BBTD from occurring in your family, practice good oral hygiene habits by brushing your child’s teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a child-sized toothbrush and no toothpaste containing fluoride for children age six or under. Also, avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. Encourage your children to drink from a cup as they approach the toddler years and to drink water throughout the day instead of sweet drinks. You might also want to add a small amount of water to sweetened drinks in order to reduce the amount of sugar in each serving. Be sure to bring your child to a pediatric dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup to ensure that their teeth are healthy and strong.

-Dr. Jeff Lee, DDS, MAGD

What are thumb sucking and pacifier habits?

Although thumb sucking is normal for infants, this habit can cause problems for many older children. The prolonged pressure of thumbs or fingers pushing against the teeth can lead to shifting, crowding and other alignment issues. Frequent use of a pacifier should also be discouraged as it can interfere with the normal eruption of permanent teeth. If your child has orthodontic appliances, they must be worn as prescribed by your pediatric dentist in Greenville, SC for optimal results. When your child stops using a pacifier or their thumbsucking behavior interferes with daily life, it’s a good idea to have them examined by their pediatric dentist to make sure their teeth are developing normally.

If your child is struggling with any of these bad habits, we can help! Call your pediatric dentist at 864-233-9764 to schedule an appointment today.

Author Bio

Dr. Mark Pelletier earned his DDS degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He has over 15 years of practice experience and enjoys providing comprehensive dental care for children in the Charleston area. Dr. Pelletier believes that patient comfort is extremely important and will go above and beyond to make sure that his patients are relaxed and at ease during their appointment. To learn more about his practice, contact him at [email protected] or visit his website at MyCharlestonDentist.com.

What is pediatric orthodontics?

The field of pediatric dentistry focuses on oral health for children of all ages, including braces and regular cleanings. Orthodontics for children is known as pediatric orthodontics and has become increasingly popular due to advancements in treatment and technology. With new techniques like invisalign, your child can straighten their teeth without embarrassing metal brackets and wires.

Regardless of age or developmental level, our team at [Business Name] can help you and your child achieve a beautiful and healthy smile! Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your child. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have or help you schedule a convenient appointment time. ”

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What is a pediatric dentist

A pediatric dentist is a specialist who has received two to three years of additional training beyond dental school. This allows them to provide specialized care to infants, children, adolescents and teens. They have the knowledge and training needed to care for a child’s teeth, gums and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood. These providers offer a range of treatments, including emergency care for injuries or infections. They can also help your child feel comfortable and relaxed during any appointments through the use of sedation dentistry techniques.

Aside from routine cleanings and exams, a dentist may prescribe braces or Invisalign® if they believe these treatments are needed to correct alignment issues. They may also place sealants on your child’s molars to protect them from decay and help set them on the path to a healthy smile into adulthood. In some cases, they may also recommend orthodontic treatments for patients who are experiencing issues with their bite or TMJ disorder.

At your family dental office in [city], TX, we offer comprehensive care using state-of-the-art technology, techniques and materials to provide high-quality dental care to patients of all ages. Our team of experienced and compassionate dentists looks forward to helping you and your family achieve and maintain optimal oral health for many years to come! Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

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