Pediatric Dentistry

You've got a little one to look after these days, and you're probably wondering how to keep them healthy. Kids' mouths are different from those of adults. They are still growing and developing, so they need special care. We know how hard it can be to get your child to the dentist. And we also know how important it is to take care of your child's teeth. This is where pediatric dentists come in. They are dentists with specialized training to take care of your kids’ teeth. We discuss what pediatric dentists do and why they are the best bet for your kids’ dental needs in this write-up.

What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that treats children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental diseases in infants and children. They provide care for patients from birth through adolescence, including routine examinations and professional cleanings.

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children, their parents, guardians, and other healthcare providers to ensure that children receive a comprehensive dental treatment plan. They often ask questions about the child’s medical history, including any allergies or other conditions that may affect their dental health. When developing a treatment plan, they also consider the child’s diet and eating habits. The dentist may ask you to bring certain items from home, such as sippy cups or old pacifiers (for example), so they can check for any signs of decay or inflammation inside the mouth.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat children's teeth. They focus on developing dental care plans for children, from infants to teenagers and their families. They also work with other members of your child's healthcare team, including doctors and nurses specializing in children's health issues. Dental care for kids is different from care for adults because specific things need to happen during each stage of development. For example, when your baby is teething, she'll be cutting her first teeth—which means she'll need special attention so that she doesn't swallow anything sharp or break off any new tooth buds before they're ready to come out.

The relationship between your pediatric dentist and your child will be key to the success of your treatment plan. A good rapport between you and your pediatric dentist will encourage your child to visit regularly for checkups and cleanings so that any problems can be identified early on before they become more serious or difficult to treat later on in life. Parents need to remember that they play an integral role in helping their children develop good oral hygiene habits at home and encouraging them to visit regularly with their pediatric dentist.

Why You Should Visit a Pediatric Dentist

You might be wondering why you should make an appointment with a pediatric dentist instead of just going to a regular dentist. Well, there are many reasons.

First, your child's mouth is different than yours. It develops at different rates, and it has different needs. A pediatric dentist knows how to take care of those special needs.

Second, they will help your child avoid cavities and other tooth problems by teaching them good oral hygiene habits from an early age.

Third, they can detect signs that can alert you to more serious problems in your child's mouth—such as gum disease or tooth decay—so that you can get them help before it's too late.

Finally, if you're worried about the cost of seeing a pediatric dentist, don't be. Their prices are comparable to regular dentists because they know how important it is for kids to get regular checkups so that any issues can be caught early on and prevented from getting worse. Also, sometimes they often offer discounts if you sign up for their newsletter or refer friends.

Differences Between Pediatric Dentists and Regular Dentists

Pediatric dentists are different than regular dentists in several ways. The most obvious difference between these two types of dentists is the age of the patients they treat. Pediatric dentists specialize in children's dental care, while regular dentists are trained to provide care for people of all ages. Other differences include the following.

• Pediatric dentists undergo two to three additional years of training.

Just as a pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in children's health care, a pediatric dentist is a dentist who specializes in the dental health care of children. Pediatric dentists undergo two to three additional years of training to work with children and their families.

• Pediatric dentists have more experience treating children than regular dentists do.

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle the needs of children and their parents because they know that the right dentist can make all the difference in helping a child feel comfortable with their smile. When you visit a pediatric dentist, they'll take extra time to explain everything to you about what's best for your child, how they'll use pain-free techniques, and what treatment options are available. They may even offer sedation services so you can both relax while your child gets their teeth cleaned.

• Pediatric dentists have specialized equipment

Pediatric dentists can use this equipment to prevent the need for surgery or anesthesia in children. This is because the equipment allows them to see into children's mouths more easily, making it easier to perform procedures on small teeth. Pediatric dentists also have tools designed specifically for working with children's teeth, such as toothbrushes and flossers, so they do not have any trouble cleaning kids' teeth properly. The equipment can also include video games, toys, and even a treasure chest full of prizes for good behavior.

• Pediatric dentists know how to deal with a child's fears and anxieties.

Pediatric dentists have different equipment because they work with a special population: kids. The equipment allows them to interact with their patients in fun and engaging ways so that the kids don't feel scared or overwhelmed by the dentist's office. They understand that kids need reassurance during visits to the dentist—and they know how to get it. For example, pediatric dentists often reward children with prizes or stickers after completing certain tasks at the dentist's office (like brushing their teeth). This helps keep kids engaged and focused on what's happening around them so that they don't become distracted by other things (like being at school).

• A pediatric dentist's office environment feels much less intimidating than a general practitioner's.

If you have a child who needs to see a dentist, but you're worried about the experience, you're not alone. A pediatric dentist's office is a very different environment from a general practitioner's office, and it can be less intimidating for both children and parents. A pediatric dentist's office is designed to provide children with an inviting place to explore their oral health. It may include toys and games and televisions or iPads for distraction during treatment. The staff is trained to interact with children in ways that make them feel comfortable and safe. They will also take time to explain procedures so that children understand what is happening while they are being treated.

If your child has had negative experiences at the dentist before, it can be hard to convince them that they need regular checkups now—even when they are necessary for maintaining good oral health. But with the right approach from both parents and dentists alike, it's possible for everyone involved to enjoy their appointments instead of dreading them.

Conclusion

Spokane Dental is here to help your child. When your child comes in for their first appointment with a pediatric dentist, they'll be asked about their oral health habits: what toothpaste they use, how often they brush their teeth, whether or not they floss, etc. They'll also get an exam—a visual check-up where the dentist looks at each tooth and makes sure it doesn't have any signs of decay or damage—and if there are any issues, our dentists will discuss them with you before offering treatment options.

Contact our office today if you have questions about pediatric dentistry or would like your child to see a pediatric dentist in Spokane. At Spokane Dental, we'll provide more information about how we can help your child achieve healthy teeth for life. We have many years of experience working with children, so you can rest assured that we know what works when it comes to making kids feel comfortable about their dental health and confident in their smiles.