Excellent oral health starts at a young age. Learn about what pediatric dentistry is and why it's important in this article.?
Nearly 87% of children have visited a pediatric dentist in the past year. Has your child visited their dentist in Teaneck and West New York, NJ? If not, it's time to schedule their annual check-up!
Routine appointments with the best pediatric dentist around will ensure your child's oral health.
What is pediatric dentistry, exactly, and how can it benefit your child? Read on to find out!
What Is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentists (pedodontists) specialize in diagnosing and treating oral health issues in infants, children, and teens. The best pediatric dentist can benefit your child's oral health until they reach adulthood.
A pediatric dentist focuses on dental issues that affect developing gums, teeth, and jaws.
Your child will develop their primary teeth during the first six months of their life. Around the age of six or seven, their baby teeth will begin falling out. Their secondary or adult teeth will replace their baby teeth.
It's important to begin caring for your child's teeth as early as possible. Neglecting oral health in kids leads to decay and disease. Oral health issues your child develops while they're young can last a lifetime.
Schedule your child's first dental appointment by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. During this appointment, you can talk to the pediatric dentist about:
- Infant feeding practices
- Pacifier habits
- Teething
- Mouth cleaning
- Baby bottle tooth decay
- Finger-sucking habits
Bringing your child to their pediatric dentist while they're young will also help them grow comfortable around their dentist. Otherwise, dental anxiety could develop. Your child might not receive the care they need if they're anxious during appointments.
Preparing
Before your child's first dental appointment, prepare a list of questions you want to ask the dentist. Their first appointment will likely last 30 to 45 minutes.
Depending on their age, the appointment might involve an exam. Their pediatric dentist will examine their:
- Gums
- Teeth
- Bite
- Jaws
- Oral tissues
They'll ensure your child is developing as expected.
The pediatric dentist might also recommend a gentle cleaning. Dental cleanings will remove plaque, stains, and tartar from your child's teeth. The dentist can show you how to care for your child's teeth while they're still young.
Ask your pediatric dentist about fluoride treatments and other preventative dentistry methods. Preventative dentistry can protect your child's teeth before cavities develop.
Between appointments, help your child brush and floss.
Your child won't need dental X-rays until their baby teeth begin falling out. X-rays can help assess your child's development. It can also help diagnose decay.
However, young children don't require dental X-rays unless absolutely necessary.
Follow up by visiting your Teaneck and West New York dentist every six months. Routine appointments will allow the dentist to keep an eye on your child's development.
Treatments
Your local pediatric dentist can recommend dentistry services based on your child's age and needs.
Pediatric dentistry services include:
- Oral health exams
- Cavity removal
- Diagnosis to straighten teeth
- Gum disease management
- Repairing dental injuries
- Early detection of oral health conditions
- Teeth cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
Infant oral exams allow the dentist to assess your baby's risk of caries.
As your child grows older, your dentist can offer preventive care. For example, routine cleanings and fluoride treatments. They can also make dietary and nutritional recommendations.
An estimated 2 billion people worldwide suffer from cavities. Another 514 million children suffer from caries of primary teeth. Visiting your kids' dentist twice a year can help your child avoid cavities.
If a cavity does develop, don't worry; your pediatric dentist can provide treatment options.
If your child's teeth appear crooked, or they have an improper bite, the dentist can recommend orthodontics. For example, traditional metal braces can bring their teeth into proper alignment. Orthodontic treatment can improve your child's bite, smile, and overall oral health.
Finding a Dentist
It's important to find the best pediatric dentist in Teaneck and West New York, NY before your child needs care. Here are a few tips you can use to find the best pediatric dentist in town.
Talk to Parents
If you know other parents in Teaneck or West New York, talk to them first. Ask if they can recommend a local pediatric dentist. Otherwise, start your search online using directories like Healthgrades.com.
Talk to other parents about their experiences at each practice. For example, you can ask:
- Is the dentist good with kids?
- Are they professional and knowledgeable?
- What services do they offer?
- Where is the practice located?
Check online for reviews if you can't gather local referrals. Reading reviews can help you find dentists other parents already know and trust.
Check for Training
Look into each dentist's education, training, and level of experience.
Confirm they've received a bachelor's degree and completed dental school at an accredited institution. Determine if they're licensed as a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Confirm that they enrolled in a residency program and note their specialty. Try to find dentists who specialize in pediatric dentistry.
Make sure each dentist on your list is licensed to practice in New Jersey.
Consider how long they've practiced and how long they've treated young patients. These dentists will have an easier time putting your child at ease.
Review Services
Determine what pediatric dentistry services each dentist offers. Make sure they offer a range of services that align with your child's needs.
Ask about the cost of these services. Determine which practices accept your insurance as well.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation at three pediatric practices to meet each dentist in person.
Ask questions about your child's oral health needs to gauge their level of expertise. Look for dentists with a friendly demeanor.
Then, review your notes. Choose a dentist your child will feel comfortable around during appointments.
Visit a Dentist in Teaneck and West New York, NJ
Don't wait until your child is older to schedule their first pediatric dentistry appointment. Instead, visit a dentist in Teaneck and West New York, NJ. With their help, you can ensure your child grows up with a stunning, healthy smile.
Want to streamline your search for a local pediatric dentist? We're here for you.
Contact us today to schedule your child's upcoming appointment.