Author: Chuck

Heading into National Children’s Dental Health Month is a celebration that is held by the American Dental Association throughout the month of February specifically. This month-long national health observance not only helps parents by providing them with advice on how to keep their child’s smile in good shape, but it also serves to emphasize the significance of oral health awareness in youngsters. A number of our dentists and staff members at Children’s Dental Health are making use of this occasion to disseminate information regarding oral health and to bring attention to the significance of providing dental treatment to children at a young age.

An initial tooth, a first birthday, and a first visit to the dentist. 

The question “When should my child first see a dentist?” is frequently asked by new parents. There is never a time when it is too early to begin focusing on the dental health of your child! It is recommended by the American Association of Pediatric Dentists that parents establish a dental home for their child by the time the child reaches their first birthday or when they have their first tooth. During this appointment, parents and guardians will have the opportunity to ask questions and address any dental problems that may arise during the primary visit. Additionally, the dentist will use a gentle swab to examine the child’s gums and any teeth that have erupted. The dentist will be able to monitor the child’s progress and take preventative steps for any issues that may arise with your baby’s teeth as the child begins the process of teething.

For the sake of the teeth 

Due to the fact that they play a crucial part in preparing room for a child’s permanent teeth, baby teeth are of very high significance. They remain in a child’s mouth for eight to ten years, during which time they have an impact on the child’s ability to speak, chew, and, of course, smile. Additionally, a child’s overall health can be inferred from the color of their baby teeth. Oral infections that enter the bloodstream and lead to other major health problems can be caused by untreated tooth decay. These infections can also allow bacteria to spread to new adult teeth.

In spite of the fact that brushing the teeth on a regular basis is an essential component of a child’s oral hygiene practice, the germs that cause tooth decay can still be found between the teeth, outside of the reach of the toothbrush. With this in mind, it is of utmost significance to assist your children in incorporating flossing into their regular regimen.

Baby bottle teeth decay is a substantial dental health risk for newborns and young children under the age of one. This danger is especially prevalent in the United States. If your child drinks a sweet beverage, bacteria in their mouth will absorb the sugar and make acid. This will happen when your child experiences this. This acid affects the enamel on baby teeth, which can lead to tooth decay if it is exposed to it for an extended period of time. This problem is exacerbated by the consumption of liquids like as milk, formula, fruit juice, soda, and any other beverages that have added sugar. In the event that your child is required to sleep with a bottle, water is the most risk-free and secure choice available.

Parents, Are You Aware of This?

In recent years, tooth decay in children has emerged as the most prevalent chronic disease in children, affecting a greater number of children than asthma. More than forty percent of children have dental decay by the time they reach kindergarten, as stated by the American Dental Association (ADA). In addition, children who have poor oral health are three times more likely to leave school due to dental pain. This is because tooth pain is a common cause of absence.

As part of an effort to combat the oral health crisis that has been plaguing the state of Pennsylvania, the state has mandated that every kid must undergo a dental examination prior to enrolling in school, as well as during the third and seventh grades. On the other hand, if your child does not receive regular checkups every six months and does not begin developing appropriate oral health practices at a young age, even minor cavities can develop into far more serious issues in their mouths.

Advice on How to Keep Your Child’s Oral Health in Good Condition 

Serving patients throughout such a crucial period of early development is something that our physicians take great delight in. For the purpose of working specifically with infants and children in the monitoring of early oral development, they have received additional training beyond what is required in dentistry school to become pediatric dentists. In order to get your children started on the path to a lifetime of good smiles, we suggest that you start them off with the following oral health instructions. 

Make sure to schedule regular checkups. In the event that it has been more than six months since your child has visited a dentist, it is imperative that you make an appointment as soon as possible.

On a daily basis, clean your baby’s gums. After each feeding, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe the gums over the gums in order to remove any harmful bacteria that may be present until the teeth come in.

Beginning with the first tooth, begin brushing it. If you observe your baby coming in with an infant toothbrush, you should start brushing their teeth as soon as you could. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, around the size of a grain of rice, along with water to clean your teeth.

Two minutes of brushing should be done twice a day. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste should be used by children between the ages of 2 and 6. When children younger than six years old are brushing their teeth, be sure to keep a close eye on them because they are more prone to swallow toothpaste.

Let’s start flossing. Begin flossing in between your child’s teeth as soon as they come into contact with one another.

A nutritious snack! The teeth of your child are at risk from a variety of foods and beverages, including fruit juice, sports drinks, fruit snacks, and sticky candies. Serve calcium-rich snacks to children, such as cheese or yogurt with a low sugar content. In the event that you are forced to consume candy, it is recommended that you choose a chocolate bar rather than gummy or sticky sweets, as they might become stuck in between the teeth even after cleaning them.

Make sure they stay hydrated! Instead of drinking sugary beverages, you should stick to drinking plain old water. Sugar and other particles that can cause cavities can be removed from the mouth with the help of water. Fluoride is a substance that is found in a great number of municipal water sources. It is suggested by a number of organizations, including the American Dental Association and the United States Surgeon General, as an effective method of preventing tooth decay. In point of fact, the celebration of a whole seventy-five year period of fluoridation of water is the focus of this year’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Every three to four months, you should replace the toothbrush that your child uses.

Teaching kids to brush their teeth is important to maintaining their dental health. However, we all know that standing there and brushing your teeth for two minutes is far from fun. Here are four ways to make brushing fun for kids of all ages and ways to help kids develop healthy brushing habits at a young age. 

1. Use Fun Toothpaste

Plenty of fun toothpaste flavors are out there, from bubble gum and strawberry to cinnamon and mint. If your child doesn’t like mint toothpaste, try buying a more fun flavor. These toothpastes come in fun colors like pink, and having tasty toothpaste can help make brushing a much more enjoyable experience. 

Suppose your child is incredibly picky about flavor. In that case, you can also find fluoridated toothpaste that’s taste-neutral, so you don’t have to worry about finding a toothpaste they like the taste of. You can even try out other toothpaste styles, including tablets if your child doesn’t like the texture of normal toothpaste. 

Remember, the goal is to get your child to learn to clean their teeth, so working with them to find a dental cleaning option that works for them can remove some of the struggles around brushing their teeth. 

2. Use Character Toothbrushes

Young children are more likely to want to brush their teeth if they have a fun, colorful toothbrush. You can get electric toothbrushes that have their favorite TV show characters on them or invest in sparkly glitter toothbrushes. Whatever kind of toothbrush they like best, that’s the best option for them. While you should pay attention to the type of toothbrush (and look for a soft, child-friendly design), getting character toothbrushes can be a great way to get children excited to brush their teeth. 

3. Use a Chore Chart with Stickers

Getting your child to brush their teeth twice daily can be a hassle. That’s why incentivizing your child to brush their teeth can be a great solution to kids avoiding dental cleaning. Making a chore chart with stickers or other rewards can incentivize your child to brush their teeth, teaching them lifelong habits that will help them maintain their teeth as they age. 

You can also include different rewards, such as a trip to the park if they brush their teeth every day for a week or make brushing their teeth part of how they earn allowance. No matter how you incentivize it, giving your child a reason to be excited about brushing their teeth can turn a daily struggle into a reliable routine. 

4. Brush to Music

Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day can be a struggle for adults and children. One way to get your children into the habit of brushing for two minutes is to play fun music while they brush their teeth. Letting them listen to their favorite songs while brushing not only teaches them how long to brush their teeth but also gets them excited to brush their teeth. You can mix up what songs they listen to during the morning and evening and even rotate out some of their favorite songs, so brushing their teeth is always a fun experience.

If you’re looking for a fun, friendly pediatric dentist, call Smile First Pediatric Dentistry today at (631) 563-7462. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Once your child reaches their teen years, you may wonder if a specific dentist exists for teens. Thankfully, just because your child is a teen doesn’t mean they need to find a new dentist. Most dentists recommend your child keep seeing their pediatric dentist well into their teenage years. The recommended age to switch from a pediatric dentist is 18. There are several reasons why your child should stick with a pediatric dentist, including continuity of care and familiarity with the team.

While teens are usually more used to going to the dentist than small children, they can still have some dental anxiety. This dental anxiety would likely increase if they had to switch to an adult dentist while in the sensitive teenage years. Thankfully, pediatric dentists are trained on how best to treat children of all ages, including those entering their adolescent years. By sticking with the same dental team, you keep things familiar for your child and ensure they get continual treatment without switching to a new, unfamiliar practice.

Keeping the same pediatric dentist can also help ensure your child gets the treatment they need during their teenage years. Teenagers usually need dental sealants and may require wisdom teeth removal. Their pediatric dentist can easily track these things, allowing your teen to get the most up-to-date treatments every time they visit the office. On top of this, teenagers are likely to consume sugary beverages, meaning frequent dental check-ups are needed to prevent cavities.

Even though your child is a teenager, you should still pay attention to their dental health. Getting twice-yearly dental cleanings is still important for dental patients of all ages, as it can prevent cavities and help identify other dental issues before they become serious. It would help if you encouraged your teen to brush their teeth twice daily and floss once daily. Alcohol-free mouthwash can also help reduce bad breath and keep your teen’s teeth healthy and happy.

While teenagers may not enjoy going to the dentist, you can help them feel more comfortable in the office by working with your pediatrician to give your teen some input on their dental health. Allowing them to choose the color of their brace bands, asking questions of the dentist, and keeping them appraised of what is happening can all show your teen you trust them and know they’re growing up. Of course, don’t be surprised if your teen still wants stickers or other prizes after their dental appointment: just because they are growing up doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy small prizes after a stressful appointment!

If you’re looking for dentists for teens, contact Smile First Pediatric Dentistry. Our team of trained pediatric dentists can help ensure your teen gets the treatment they need. From standard check-ups to more intensive care, our office is there to help you keep your child healthy every step of the way. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (631) 563-7462.

We look forward to hearing from you. 

While many of the same dental treatments that apply to adult patients also apply to pediatric patients, there are some common dental treatments for kids that are often needed for their dental health. In this article, we cover five common dental treatments for kids and what to expect during these treatments.  

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments are an essential part of your child’s dental treatment. These treatments apply fluoride to the surface of your child’s teeth. Fluoride is a crucial mineral for the growth of dental enamel. On top of this, fluoride helps prevent cavities, making it essential to your child’s overall dental health. Many dentists do fluoride treatments during your child’s routine cleaning visit. These treatments can help strengthen your child’s teeth and improve their dental health. 

While your child can also get fluoride from a city or town water supply, routine fluoride treatments can strengthen their teeth. This makes them an essential common dental treatment for kids.  

Cavity Filling

Cavity fillings are one of the most common dental procedures of all time. Dental caries, or cavities, happen when bacteria gather on the surface of your child’s teeth. This bacteria produces acid, which in turn eats away at the enamel. Once these cavities pass a certain threshold, they need treatment. Good dental hygiene can help repair some of the damage done by bacteria. However, when cavities get too deep, they require filling.

Dental fillings are a safe, reliable way to fix cavities. By fixing cavities, you can prevent further dental decay and keep the decay from reaching the root of your child’s teeth. Your child’s dentist can treat dental cavities by drilling away the decayed material, cleaning the remaining space, and filling the hole with dental filling material. 

Braces

Braces are a common childhood dental treatment. This treatment gradually moves your child’s teeth into place, straightening out their smile. This treatment is usually done by an orthodontist, who fixes brackets and wires inside your child’s mouth. Through regular adjustment and time, braces move your child’s adult teeth. Children with all or most of their adult teeth can be good candidates for braces. 

Dental Extractions

If your child has an infected or decayed tooth that cannot be repaired any other way, it may be time for a dental extraction. Your child’s dentist will recommend dental extraction if they can do nothing for the tooth or the tooth is too decayed for repair. Your child’s dentist will numb your child’s mouth using topical anesthetics before removing the tooth. Be sure to follow all dental recommendations during dental extraction recovery. 

Dental Crowns

If the surface of your child’s tooth is decayed, damaged, or worn down, or they have a lot of cavities that need repair, they may need dental crowns. Dental crowns not only protect your child’s tooth, but they also act as a replacement chewing surface. To place a dental crown, your child’s dentist may need to remove some enamel or decayed dental matter to fit the crown. Then, the crown is bonded to the surface of the tooth. 

If you have questions about kids’ dental treatments or want to schedule an appointment, contact Smile First Pediatric Dentistry at (631) 563-7462. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Dental crowns are a useful dental tool to replace damaged teeth. Most dental crowns replace the chewing surface of a molar. They act as a way to repair damaged, pitted dental surfaces. Dental crowns are an important part of pediatric dentistry. They work to repair teeth of all sizes, including non-permanent teeth, in the case of severe dental damage or developmental issues with the teeth. Here, we cover the different types of dental crowns for kids and how they can help repair dental damage. 

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a form of dental repair that involves placing a material cap (the crown) on top of a tooth. There are several ways this can work and different levels of preparation for each type of crown. Dental crowns can be made out of metal or composite resin. There are also strip crowns, which involve placing a crown with a plastic shell and strip on top. Then, removing the strip and plastic shell once the crown attaches firmly. 

For some dental crowns, no preparation is needed. This is primarily the case for crowns repairing dental development issues, as the purpose is to build up the enamel surface. Other crowns, especially those replacing severe dental decay, may require material removal before application to provide a better fit. Sometimes, temporary crowns protect the tooth while a more detailed crown is made.  

Dental Crowns for Kids

Dental crowns can replace broken or damaged chewing surfaces. They act as a way to preserve severely damaged teeth in pediatric patients. If your child has severe dental decay, especially with a root canal on a permanent tooth, a dental crown can restore the tooth’s chewing surface and help avoid an extraction.

Dental crowns for kids are almost the same as those for adults. While the tooth size may vary, especially for baby teeth, the same process applies to all teeth. These crowns allow children to keep their original teeth. This is important for adult teeth to grow straight later in life and help preserve any adult teeth impacted by decay. 

Since dental crowns can match the natural color of your child’s teeth, dental crowns are a nearly unnoticeable way for your pediatric dentist to make structural repairs to your child’s teeth. While dental crowns may need to be replaced later in life, they have a long use time, meaning that a dental crown will help maintain and preserve your child’s dental health for years.

Dental crowns can replace damaged or worn-down chewing surfaces if your child suffers from bruxism (teeth grinding). This is usually done as a final treatment stage for bruxism, as mouth guards and splints are the first line of defense to protect your child’s teeth. Still, dental implants are a great option if your child has a damaged chewing surface that needs repair. 

If you have questions about pediatric dental crowns or want to make an appointment, contact Smile First Pediatric Dentistry at (631) 563-7462. Our team of family-friendly pediatric dentists would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon. 

Source(s):

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/all-topics-a-z/crowns

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8950869/

If you’re worried about your child’s dental health, there are some clear signs of poor oral health to watch out for. From dental pain and bad breath to sore, swollen, or bleeding gums, dental symptoms can be more than just annoying. Here, we cover some signs of poor oral health and ways to make taking care of teeth fun and engaging for children. 

Signs of Poor Oral Health in Children

Some signs of poor oral health in children can include tartar buildup around the teeth and gums, a sore, receding, or swollen gum line, bad breath, and of course, dental pain. While cavities are a sign of poor oral health, it can be hard to notice cavities without dental training unless they’re causing obvious pain or have progressed to the stage where they are quite large. 

If your child has loose adult teeth or complains of persistent dental pain, this can also be a sign of poor oral health and indicate you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. As with most dental concerns, early detection can greatly reduce complications, meaning getting your child’s dental care back on track is crucial to their long-term oral health. 

Ways to Improve Oral Health in Children

One of the ways to improve your child’s oral health is by teaching them to brush their teeth for two minutes twice daily. Teaching your child to floss properly can also help preserve oral health and prevent cavities. If your child has difficulty flossing or finds it boring or annoying, try getting replaceable floss picks. These picks make flossing fun and come in fun shapes like dinosaurs or other animals to encourage your child to floss their teeth. You should also invest in an alcohol-free mouthwash. 

Another way to improve your child’s oral health is to ensure they visit the dentist at least twice a year for routine dental hygiene appointments. Regular dental cleanings can help preserve oral health in children and allow your dental team to notice problems before they become serious and treat any dental concerns early on. 

Your dentist can help teach your child the proper way to brush their teeth and the importance of oral hygiene. If you struggle to get your child to clean their teeth, your dental team may have suggestions on how to incentivize good oral health. Offering rewards like stickers, sugar-free candy, or fun outings can all be ways to encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day. 

Building good oral health habits in children doesn’t have to be a struggle. By prioritizing your child’s dental health and working to impart the importance of good dental hygiene, you can set your child up for a lifetime of success. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, check out Smile First Pediatric Dentistry or call us at (631) 563-7462 to schedule an appointment. We work closely with children and their caregivers to start good dental health habits that benefit kids for their entire lives.

We look forward to seeing you soon. 

Source(s):

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html

No one wants to think about worst-case scenarios, especially regarding your kids. Thankfully, emergency pediatric dentists are there to help in case of an emergency. We discuss some of the more common pediatric dental emergencies and what to do before you visit your kids’ emergency dentist. Remember: dial 9-1-1 and visit your local emergency room for medical non-dental emergencies. If you have an emergency that could be considered medical and dental, see a doctor or call 9-1-1 immediately. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the topic. 

Examples of Dental Emergencies

Children are danger-prone. It comes as part of learning about the world around them and having a lot of energy. Some of the most common dental emergencies come from exploration and “goofing off,” like knocking out permanent teeth. If your child knocks out an adult tooth, have them put it in milk or an ADA-approved tooth preserver to save it while you go to the emergency dentist.

Similarly to a knocked-out tooth, a chipped or cracked tooth is also a reason to visit a pediatric emergency dentist. Preserve the chipped-off portion of a tooth the same way you would a lost adult tooth, and be sure to visit a kids’ emergency dentist as soon as possible. You can use a cold compress like ice or frozen peas (wrapped in fabric to keep from getting too cold) to keep down swelling. Tell your emergency dentist if you give your child any over-the-counter pain medication when you arrive.

Other kids’ dental emergencies include a lost filling or broken braces bracket digging into part of their mouth. If your child dislodges or breaks part of their orthodontics, it’s important to fix this as soon as possible. Use dental floss to try and remove the object if your child gets something stuck in their teeth. However, be sure to never use anything sharp or pointed. If the object remains, it’s time to visit the dentist. 

Of course, suppose your child shows signs of dental infection, including swelling, pain, a bad taste in the mouth, pus, or other symptoms. In that case, it’s important to visit an emergency dentist immediately, as this can lead to more severe dental problems and cause discomfort for your child. 

How to Prevent Kids’ Dental Injury

Ensure your child understands that they should only use their teeth to eat. Teach them not to chew hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, candy, or anything not food, as this can lead to dental damage. Ensure your child has a dentist-approved mouthguard for sports, skateboarding, roller skating, and more, as this can protect them from serious dental damage. If you’re unsure if something is a dental emergency, call your pediatric dental office as soon as possible, as they can advise you on the best course of action.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, check out Smile First Pediatric Dentistry. Our team of experienced pediatric dentists works diligently to maintain your child’s dental health. If you’re interested in making an appointment or have questions, call us today at (631) 563-7462. 

Source(s):

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies

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Dental sealants are an important tool in preventing cavities and maintaining good oral health in children. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong, and dental sealants can help you achieve that goal.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the surfaces of the teeth. They are typically placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), where cavities are most likely to develop. The sealant material is painted onto the tooth surface and then hardened with a special light. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the tooth enamel from plaque and bacteria that can cause decay.

Why are dental sealants important?

Children’s teeth are vulnerable to decay, particularly in the pits and fissures of the back teeth. Even with good oral hygiene practices, it can be difficult to clean these areas thoroughly, which makes them more susceptible to decay. Dental sealants help to fill in the pits and fissures, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and less likely to trap food and bacteria.

In addition to being an effective preventative measure, dental sealants are also a cost-effective way to protect your child’s teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80% in the first two years of application, and up to 50% for up to four years. By preventing cavities, dental sealants can save you money on costly dental treatments like fillings and crowns.

When should dental sealants be applied?

Dental sealants are typically applied as soon as a child’s permanent molars and premolars erupt, usually around the ages of 6 and 12. The sooner the sealants are applied, the better, as it is easier to apply them to teeth that are free from decay. However, sealants can also be applied to teeth that have early signs of decay, as long as the decay has not progressed too far.

How are dental sealants applied?

The process of applying dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the teeth are cleaned and dried, and an acid solution is applied to the surfaces of the teeth to help the sealant material bond to the tooth enamel. The sealant material is then painted onto the tooth surface and hardened with a special light. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes per tooth.

Are dental sealants safe?

Yes, dental sealants are safe and have been used for decades to prevent cavities in children. The sealant material is BPA-free and does not pose any health risks when applied as directed. However, if your child has an allergy to any of the components of the sealant material, we may recommend an alternative preventative measure.

In conclusion, dental sealants are an effective and safe way to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health in children. By applying dental sealants to your child’s back teeth as soon as they erupt, you can help protect their teeth from decay and save money on costly dental treatments. If you have any questions about dental sealants or other preventative measures, don’t hesitate to call us at 631-563-7462 or email us at team@smilefirstkids.com.

A chipped tooth is undoubtedly a reason to call your pediatric dentist. However, as concerning as a chipped tooth is, it is a relatively common dental problem for children. Whether your child took a tumble into a table or decided it would be fun to bite something they shouldn’t, a chipped tooth is almost as common as a cavity. Here, we cover the common causes of chipped teeth, how your pediatric dentist can fix a chipped tooth, and why your dentist may recommend leaving the tooth as it is. 

Common Causes of Pediatric Chipped Teeth

Some common causes of chipped or cracked teeth include biting down on solid objects or tough foods. They can also be a result of facial trauma like bumping into furniture or taking a tumble off a playset. Dental chips and cracks can span in severity and appearance. They can be as visible as breaking a chunk off your front teeth to as minor as a small crack in your molar. However, any tooth chipping or cracking is cause for concern and a dental visit, no matter how old the patient. 

If your child chips a tooth, try to find it and make sure they avoid swallowing the tooth portion. Wrap the tooth part in wet gauze to help preserve it until you can visit your dentist. Next, have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water to prevent infection and to clean out any bleeding or swelling. Finally, you can use a cold compress on your child’s face to help keep down the swelling and to help with the pain. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, and check if your pediatric dentist schedules emergency dental appointments. 

Methods of Fixing Chipped Teeth

Pediatric dentists can repair chipped teeth in a variety of ways. Sometimes, your pediatric dentist may use the same materials used in filings to repair the chip or crack after cleaning the area. In addition, they may use a dental bonding agent to reattach the chipped portion of the tooth, or they may recommend a dental veneer to maintain the appearance of your child’s teeth. In general, fillings cost between $100 to $300, depending on the dentist, your insurance, and the severity of the damage. Your pediatric dentist may recommend extraction for more severe tooth breakages, especially if the tooth is shattered entirely. However, these kinds of tooth breakages are rare. 

Sometimes, your dentist may recommend not doing anything about a chipped tooth. For example, if the chip is small, surface level, or does not structurally impact the tooth, your pediatric dentist may advise you to leave it as it is. This is usually the case for pediatric patients who haven’t lost their baby teeth, as repairing a slight chip in a tooth that will fall out shortly may not be necessary. However, you should always take your child to see a dentist if they chip a tooth to ensure no hairline chips you cannot see, which could lead to infection later. 

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, check out Smile First Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment or call us at (631) 563-7462 to find out more. 

Source(s):

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-fix-a-chipped-tooth#caring-for-a-chipped-tooth-or-broken-tooth

https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(21)00241-5/fulltext

As a parent, finding a dentist for your child can be exhausting. Trying to figure out if a dental office is a good fit for your family may sometimes seem overwhelming. Thankfully, we’re here to help. 

Let’s look at the differences between pediatric and family dentists and what you can expect from each practice. While there is some overlap between training and atmosphere, in some cases, pediatric dentists are a better choice for your family, depending on your child’s needs. 

Their Training

While family dentists and pediatric dentists welcome younger patients, only pediatric dentists specialize in pediatric dental care. Family dentists serve a wide range of dental patients, while pediatric dentists specialize in treating and caring for young children. 

Sometimes, a family dentist can provide exemplary dental care for your child. However, if your child is anxious or has other special needs, a pediatric dentist may be a better fit for you, as they are specially trained in children’s dentistry. 

Pediatric dentists undergo a full six years of dental training, four years as standard dental training, and another two years specifically training in pediatric dentistry. This specialization shows in their practice, allowing them the experience needed to care for your child’s dental needs.

Child-Friendly Care

While family dental care targets being accessible for the whole family, pediatric dentistry specially tailors to younger patients. This means that every aspect of their dental practice is geared toward children. 

From longer dental appointments and specialized scheduling to patient practitioners who take the time to make you and your child comfortable, a pediatric dental office offers child-friendly care in every aspect of their practice. 

If your child suffers from dental anxiety or has special needs, including ASD, Down Syndrome, cleft palate, or other considerations, a pediatric dentist may be a good fit. Some general dentists won’t see younger patients. However, pediatric dentists work with parents to introduce children to dentistry at an early age and foster lifelong dental habits. 

Child-Friendly Atmosphere and Equipment

Pediatric dentistry prioritizes patient comfort above all else, meaning their office is specially designed to comfort and support younger patients. From early appointment times to longer time slots for fussy patients, pediatric dentistry considers your child’s needs when planning every aspect of their practice. 

Not only is a pediatric dental office made to be fun and inviting to young children, but it also specializes in pediatric dental equipment. By ensuring everything in their practice supports young patients, pediatric dentists can provide comprehensive, comfortable care to young patients of all ability levels and dental needs. So if your child is anxious about their first dental visit, or you’re looking for a specialist that prioritizes your child’s needs, pediatric dentistry is a good fit for you.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, check out Smile First Pediatric Dentistry. Our office works diligently to create a positive, child-friendly environment for parents and children. We work to take the stress out of visiting the dentist and hope to instill healthy dental habits from a young age that will last a lifetime. To schedule an appointment, call us at (631) 563-7462.