If someone were to say the word ‘dentistry’ what would pop into your mind first? Probably teeth. But dentistry as a discipline is so much more than just treating your teeth and gums. Like any facet of medicine, there are specialties within dentistry. This helps diagnose and treat patients’ many needs more effectively.
Some notable dental specialties include the following: orthodontist, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pediatric dentistry.
Receiving pediatric dentistry in Port Moody can be beneficial to your child’s oral health. This is because such care is specifically tailored to aid them as they grow to become adults.
For more information, contact our local dental clinic today!
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentists are dentists who are trained to not only identify, fix, and prevent dental issues but to interact with children and their families who come in to receive such treatment. More specifically, pediatric dentists are extremely knowledgeable regarding the changes that occur to a child’s oral anatomy as they get older.
These individuals must graduate from a certified dental program, which typically consists of four years, as well as completes a two-year residency attending to youth.
Just like any other health care specialist, pediatric dentists perform multiple duties, including, but not limited to the following:
- Detect and diagnose oral health conditions.
- Promote healthy habits.
- Create an oral health routine to help restore your child’s oral hygiene.
- Educate your child about their teeth and gums, such as teaching them the proper way to brush and floss.
- Clean their teeth (which helps prevent further problems).
- Provide habit counselling for parents. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle child behaviour and understand how they think. Habits such as thumb sucking, poor brushing, eating too many sweets, and even the inability to sit still are all things they can help remedy.
- Perform more complicated dental treatments – oral trauma and repairing cavities are just two examples.
- Manage a child’s fear of going to the dentist.
To learn more, call or visit our website to book a consultation with one of our Port Moody dentists. They’ll be able to answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have about your child’s oral health. We’ll also guide you through the stages of various dental treatments so you and your child will know what to expect and won’t encounter any surprises.
Why It’s a Good Idea to See a Pediatric Dentist
Although taking your infant, child, or teenager to see a pediatric dentist isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended. After all, just like pediatric doctors, they know how to handle kids and make them feel comfortable about their time in the dental chair. Not to mention, pediatric dental offices are typically decorated to evoke feelings of approachability and put your child at ease when they walk through the door. Regardless of their personality, whether they’re shy, talkative, nervous, or neither, all children are unique, and these individuals possess an in-depth understanding of child psychology and physical health. They know better than anyone how to interact with your child.
Lastly, pediatric dental specialists can help kids establish smart behaviours and prioritize the hygiene of their teeth and gums. Doing so will serve them well now and in the future, as it will save them the worry that comes with the need to receive more serious dental procedures in the future. And, as a parent, will also be spared time and money too.
Are you looking for a pediatric dentist near you? At Mint Dental, our staff is here to help address the needs of you and your family however we can.
We very much look forward to working with you!