If you’re looking for a dentist who caters to your child’s dental problems, a pediatric dentist may be your best choice. Of course, many general dentists and surgeons also consult children and teenagers, but it’s always best to choose someone trained in pediatric dentistry, to receive proper care.
Your child must receive the best possible care in case they develop a dental problem to avoid life-long complications. This is why our expert pediatric dentists at DICC make it easy for you and your child to discuss everything and consult thoroughly to ensure adequate care.
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry involves the treatment of oral health problems of children by a pediatric dentist who is trained and qualified to care for a child’s teeth, mouth, and gums. Baby teeth start growing during the first 6 months of life, which are later replaced by permanent teeth by age 6 or 7.
Proper dental care of a child’s teeth becomes essential because, just like adults, they need a good oral health regimen to avoid serious dental problems like tooth decay and diseases that can lead to pain and complications. According to research, 1 in 5 children aged between 5 and 11 years have at least one decayed tooth.
What treatments do Pediatric Dentists provide?
After four years of dental school, pediatric dentists are trained for two additional years, making them skilled in treating infants, children, teenagers, and children with special needs.
A pediatric dentist consults children with various dental problems, some of which are discussed below.
Misaligned teeth or malocclusion
Misaligned teeth or malocclusion can be very painful for children and adults alike. Crowded teeth can cause oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Fortunately for kids, pediatric dentists provide many orthodontic treatments that can help straighten the teeth, reshape the jaw and prevent or correct bite issues.
Baby bottle caries
Baby bottle caries happens when a baby or toddler falls asleep with a milk bottle, formula, juice, or other sugary drink. It can also occur if a child has a habit of sucking on the bottle during the day. The constant exposure to sugar and carbohydrates combined with insufficient saliva flow can cause decay.
If your child has already developed baby bottle caries, they will need professional treatment from a pediatric dentist. The decay may need to be filled with silver or white fillings. For more severe cases, it may be necessary for the dentist to use stainless steel crowns or even extractions.
Teething problems
Teething in babies is a normal process that offers them relief from the discomfort of emerging teeth. However, it can also cause trouble for some children and parents. At this stage, babies tend to drool more and chew on anything they can get their hands on, such as toys, fingers, blankets, and sometimes even their gums, which can cause pain and swelling. If your child has a hard time dealing with teething symptoms, talk to a pediatric dentist about ways to make the process smoother.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay can affect baby teeth, too. Cavities result from tooth decay and can develop when the bacteria in plaque produce harmful acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Unlike adult teeth, baby teeth have thinner enamel and aren’t as strong, making them more likely to get cavities. That’s why it’s important to protect your child from tooth decay by visiting a pediatric dentistry.
How does a Pediatric Dentist manage dental problems?
As a part of comprehensive oral care for your children, your pediatric dentists may offer all or some of these dental procedures.
- Preventive dental care such as fluoride treatment and cleaning, as well as nutrition and dietary changes
- Infant oral health exams, including risk assessment for baby caries. A pediatric dentist may also assess the risk of caries in the mother
- Early assessment and treatment to correct improper biting and straighten the teeth
- Habit counseling to check thumb sucking and the use of pacifiers
- Diagnosis of dental conditions associated with diseases such as ADHD, asthma, hay fever, congenital heart defect, and diabetes
- Management of oral diseases, including pediatric periodontal disease, short frenulae, and ulcers
- Repair of dental defects or cavities caused by tooth decay
- Treatment of dental injuries including fractured, knocked-out, or displaced teeth
Where can I find a Pediatric Dentist?
If your child is suffering from any dental problem, make it a point to take them to a pediatric dentist immediately. The best way to find a dentist is by asking your child’s physician or pediatrician for a referral.
Our expert pediatric dentists are located in convenient locations in Cherry Creek, Broomfield, and Boulder and take walk-ins plus emergencies.
DICC: Solution to all dental problems for your children & teenagers
Our pediatric dentists are experts at handling children with all dental problems and take the parents and children into confidence before starting the treatment.
We understand that children need extra attention and care. This is why our pediatric dentists take time to discuss your child’s behavior, pain pattern, and fears to make them comfortable throughout the procedure.
Our dentists will also examine your child’s mouth thoroughly and recommend the best possible treatment for their condition. You must make regular appointments with our pediatric dentists so that any dental problems can be treated at their earliest.
For more information, schedule an appointment today by calling (720) 740-0696.
