Are you a parent who wants your children to have great smiles?
If that’s the case, one of the best things you can do is take them to a pediatric dentist. These dental experts are specially trained to help children with their oral health and to give parents tips on how to help their kids take care of their teeth between appointments.
Finding a youth dentist Darien in IL can help your child develop good dental habits that will be useful as they grow up.
1. A children’s doctor decided to work with kids
Like a family dentist, a pediatric dentist has earned their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree—but they didn’t stop there. After finishing their four-year dentistry degree, a pediatric dentist decided to get an extra two to three years of specialty training to learn how to help children. A board-certified pediatric dentist has passed a tough in-person test before a group of respected pediatric dentists. These extra courses make them especially good at handling the wants of children.
2. Pediatric dentists specialize in how children grow and develop
A pediatric dentist, or pedodontist, is a dentist who specializes in treating children’s teeth. The term comes from the word “pedia,” meaning child, and “dentist,” meaning someone who studies teeth. A pediatric dentist is someone who focuses on the dental health and growth of children.
Any family dentist can treat kids, but pediatric dentists have had more training for children’s dental, behavioral, and social needs. Because of their training and experience, pediatric dentists are good at understanding how children behave during dental visits and at making these visits happy and successful for babies, kids, and teens.
3. Pediatric dentistry offices are kid-friendly
Ensuring your child feels comfortable is essential at a children’s dentist’s office. Pediatric dentist offices are designed to make kids feel welcome. They hire staff who are friendly with children and teenagers. These offices have lots of toys, books, and games to keep your child (and you!).) entertained and to create a fun, safe environment.
4. A Pediatric dentist can help your child make (or break) mouth habits
A pediatric dentist knows a lot about child psychology and development. They can help your child build good habits for oral health, like flossing every day, and stop bad habits, like using a pacifier for too long or sucking their thumb. If you’re worried about your child’s teeth or how they care for their mouth, a youth dentist can help them develop good dental habits.
5. Pediatric dentists are skilled at helping children with special needs
Pediatric dentists specialize in providing excellent, individualized dental care to all children, including those with physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or social needs. A pediatric dentist trained to care for children with special needs will help you and your child with oral care in the office and create a plan for home care. This will keep your child’s smile healthy and strong.
6. Pediatric dentistry offices focus on age-appropriate prevention care
A pediatric dentist’s primary goal is to keep your child’s teeth healthy now and in the future by preventing cavities, accidents, gum disease, and other oral health problems. A pediatric dentist will teach kids how to brush, floss, and eat healthily. They also provide preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride while creating a fun and friendly atmosphere.
7. Provide healing care that is suitable for kids
In addition to offering age-appropriate preventative care and oral health education, youth dental offices offer corrective dentistry—such as pediatric fillings, crowns, and prostheses—specific to your child’s unique oral health, age, and overall development.
8. A children’s dentist can identify dental problems early on
The American Association of Orthodontics says every child should see an orthodontist for an exam by age seven. Orthodontics and teenagers often go together, but early check-ups with a children’s dentist can help identify possible problems with your child’s mouth, jaw, and permanent teeth while their bones develop.
Waiting until all the permanent teeth have emerged and face growth is near complete can make some orthodontic treatments difficult or even impossible. A pediatric dentist can spot problems early, which helps plan treatment that aligns with your child’s normal tooth development. This can lessen the need for more complex braces or other treatments in the future.
9. Pediatric dentists make dental problems less stressful
A dental emergency can be stressful and frightening for your child and you. A Pediatric dentist Darien IL uses their understanding of child behavior and experience with dental problems to quickly and gently help your child recover from a dental issue and restore their smile.
10. A pediatric dentist is there for you, too
A pediatric dentist offers the proper dental care and information for your child’s specific oral health needs and helps guide you as a parent. Darien pediatric dentistry understands that navigating pacifiers, brushing, flossing, cavities, and child oral health generally can be overwhelming or frustrating, and is available to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with compassionate support toward your child’s healthiest smile.
Reach Out to Darien Pediatric Dentistry
Taking your child to the dentist in Darien helps keep their teeth healthy. The dentist offers a wide range of treatments focused on meeting the specific dental needs of children. Their main goal is to provide preventive care, like fluoride treatment, to help prevent children’s cavities and other oral problems.