PEDIATRIC DENTISTS IN WESTMINSTER & LOUISVILLE
WHAT DOES A PEDIATRIC DENTIST DO?
A pediatric dentist specializes in all oral health aspects of children. They treat the oral health of children from infancy through the late teen years. Dentists in this field have the experience and qualifications to care for a child’s primary or baby teeth, followed by their secondary or adult teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood.
PEDIATRIC DENTIST vs. GENERAL DENTIST
Many general or family dentists treat children and adults alike, but that does not make them pediatric dentists. The main difference between the two is that pediatric dental care specializes in oral health for children. Pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of specific training after finishing dental school. These postdoctoral training years include focused experience in growth and development, behavior, restorative and preventive dentistry for children from birth through young adulthood.
WHAT DOES BOARD CERTIFICATION MEAN?
A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist is a pediatric dentist who has been accepted into the highly competitive specialty training of pediatric dentistry and who has completed all accredited training and examinations to be certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). Being certified by the APBD ensures that your children’s dentist has received the highest-quality oral health education for kids of all ages, including quality care for special needs children.
At Young Dentistry for Children, the pediatric dentists in Westminster and Louisville meet the rigorous standards set by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and bring a wealth of experience in child-focused dental care. This combination of formal education, comprehensive training in pediatric dentistry, and a dedicated approach to treating children, including those with special needs, ensures a high standard of personalized and compassionate care.
Their expertise is complemented by ongoing education to incorporate the latest advancements in dental techniques and treatments, emphasizing a preventive and gentle approach to dental care for children. Parents should rest assured that their children will receive the highest standards of care when choosing Board Certified Pediatric Dentists in Westminster and Louisville.
INFANT AND EARLY CHILD PEDIATRIC CARE
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD SEE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?
It is recommended that children as young as six months old, or as soon as the first tooth erupts, make their first appointment to see a pediatric dentist, with the first dental exam being no later than 12 months old. As new parents, we often overlook infant oral care. Some of us wonder why we should worry about baby teeth since new permanent teeth will replace them later in childhood.
Most dental problems are preventable, and the dentist imparts valuable preventive information, including teething relief, diet, brushing, and the role of bacteria in cavity formation. Early dental visits positively correlate to favorable future dental experiences, with fewer cavities and more non-traumatic, happy visits.
Tooth decay can happen as soon as a child’s first tooth grows, on average, between 6 and 12 months. Cavities in baby teeth increase the risk of decay in permanent teeth. If that decay is severe, it can have long-lasting effects on a child’s overall health and can be costly to fix. In addition, pain from tooth decay can prevent a baby from eating well, which will have a deleterious effect on their growth and development.
DO PEDIATRIC DENTISTS COST MORE?
Dental care costs vary, and any slightly higher fees for pediatric dentistry reflect the specialized care that’s provided. Their facilities and equipment are designed solely for children, and the experience and training of the pediatric dental team maximize your child’s comfort. Procedures like fillings are accomplished quickly and efficiently, resulting in more favorable dental experiences.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A CHILD’S FIRST DENTIST APPOINTMENT?
During your child’s first visit to your pediatric dentist in Westminster and Louisville, your child’s medical and dental history will be reviewed, and your questions and concerns will be answered. Children too young to sit in the regular dental chair sit on their parents’ laps and are not expected to “cooperate.” Crying during the exam is helpful for the dentist, as it allows better visualization of the mouth.
During the exam, the dentist evaluates growth and development, the position of the teeth, the health of the gums and oral tissues, and checks for any dental decay. If your child is old enough to tolerate it, a gentle polishing of the teeth, to remove plaque and stains, will be completed. A fluoride treatment will also usually be recommended. During this visit, oral hygiene instruction is given to parents, to facilitate the homecare effort.
IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST NECESSARY?
Pediatric dentists are to dentistry what pediatricians are to medicine, and you can expect that same level of expertise when receiving care. They recognize and intercept potential dental and orthodontic problems and intervene when situations are manageable, thereby being proactive rather than reactive.
Partnering with parents and pediatric dentists helps children build healthy oral hygiene and dietary habits to maintain the child’s overall health. By creating a positive and supportive atmosphere in the office, the dental team helps children be more motivated and confident in continuing their oral care at home.
DENTISTRY AND YOUR ADOLESCENT
6 WAYS TO PREVENT DENTAL DECAY IN ADOLESCENTS
It is assumed that your teen has already learned the building blocks of oral health care throughout their childhood. But as we all know, sometimes adolescents can be stubborn, or otherwise distracted, and need a gentle reminder of best practices. Here is a quick list, reinforced at each six-month visit to the office, to help your youngster maximize their oral care routine.
- • Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- • Floss every night before bed.
- • Swish with fluoride rinse after flossing and before bed.
- • Limit snacking throughout the day.
- • Avoid sugary drinks, including sports drinks and sticky treats.
- • Drink more water.
Adhering to this list will keep your child on the right path to oral and general good health.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ORAL PIERCINGS AND TOBACCO USE
As your child’s dental health is our priority, we must inform you about the risks involved with tongue and lip piercings. Despite their popularity, oral piercings are not worth the risks they pose. They may cause pain, swelling, difficulty in speaking and swallowing, and even permanent numbness and loss of taste. Infection is also possible due to the increased exposure of your mouth’s flesh to bacteria. Facial scarring and deformities are also common.
Oral piercings can also damage your teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and bone loss around the tooth’s root. This can cause the tooth to become loose and eventually require extraction. In rare cases, it can even lead to life-threatening complications.
Similarly, tobacco use in any form can cause irreversible damage to your child’s health. It can stain teeth, cause bad breath, and weaken the immune system. Smokers are three times more likely to develop periodontal disease and twice as likely to lose teeth due to bacterial infection. As we all know, smokers are also more likely to develop oral cancer.
For your child’s dental health, we recommend avoiding all forms of tobacco and oral piercings. If you suspect any smoking-related issues, please get in touch with Young Dentistry for Children, your trusted pediatric dentists in Westminster and Louisville, Colorado.
Visit Your Trusted Pediatric Dentists in Westminster
At Young Dentistry for Children, our board certified pediatric dentists are experts in providing top-notch dental care tailored for infants through young adulthood. From your child’s first tooth to their teen years, we’re here to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile with our specialized training and child-friendly approach. Don’t wait for dental issues to arise. Schedule your child’s visit with us today and experience the difference of compassionate, expert care in Westminster and Louisville, Colorado.
