Pediatric Dentistry

Why A Pediatric Dentist?

Has your child ever begged you NOT to leave the dentist office? Impossible, you say? Not at our office. It could be our fun and easy way with kids. Dr. Steven and his staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth and just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun.

What Is A Pediatric Dentist?

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child’s medical needs, a pediatric dental specialist is uniquely qualified to protect your child’s oral health using the most advanced techniques. Pediatric dentists have an additional two years of training at university pediatric facilities in addition to four years of dental school and four years of college study.  They learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to help them feel comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. They also are trained and qualified to treat special needs patients.

What Dental Problems Could My Child Have?

One concern is early childhood tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child staying on the bottle too long. Oral habits, such as thumb sucking or pacifier use, should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems.

Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth, and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and can spread to the permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren’t treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for many years.

What Should I Tell My Child About Their First Dental Visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut. Just speak matter-of-factly about getting teeth counted and brushed. You don’t need to go into great detail. If you are nervous about the visit, then the less you say the better.  Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you!