Each age group has specific dental needs. This is why there is dentistry for kids, for adults and for geriatrics. Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry which focuses on treating the younger age group, including babies, toddlers, young children and even adolescents. There are dental issues that are more common among these ages than in older age group. These are the age of development and prevention, which make such branch of dentistry highly important.
What Does Dentistry Just for Kids Entail?
Pediatric and Kids Dentistry is a special branch. This means that it needs a special training. Not all dentists can perform dental procedures on children or the young age group. You need a special training and certificate to practice dentistry for kids. In fact, according to American Academy of Pediatric Dentist, in order for a general dentist to practice pediatric dentistry, he or she must take additional two or three years of study. The additional years are intended for specialty training focused on providing oral health care and education for infants, toddlers, children and adolescents. This also includes providing care for children with special needs. The training does not only focus on the dental procedures, but more importantly on the approaches and interventions such as behavior and trauma management, interceptive orthodontics, sedation, and infant oral health. This is so because children need individualized approaches specific or appropriate for their age. With this, it is important to note that instead of going to a general dentist, you must go to a pediatric dentist.
How Is Dentistry for Kids Different?
Pediatric dentistry is different, basically, from other types of dentistry in that it focuses on providing oral care and education for a specific age group; that is, from infancy to adolescence. Licensed dentist who practice general dentistry can treat patients of any age, including children. However, their training on providing specific and individualized dental care and using the right approach on children is limited. Pediatric dentists are more trained in this field, which makes them the right professionals to go to if your child needs a dental check-up or any other dental procedure. Specific needs like dental sealants and fluoride treatments are part of the pediatric dentist’s training and study.
The following are some of the specialized dentistry for kids that pediatric dentists or pedodontists perform:
- Special counseling and education on dental health and nutrition.
- Oral health exams for infants.
- Dental Emergency care for children.
- Space management in case of a primary tooth loss.
- Distribution of relaxation medications.
- Discouraging bad habits.
Some pediatric clinics provide a suitable environment for children. A welcoming and friendly environment helps. This will make the young patients feel more courageous during the dental procedure. They need to be relaxed and be free from trauma. There are interventions and approaches that dentists employ to encourage children to go the to dentist more often and to take care of their teeth.
Dentistry for Kids–Mesa, AZ
If you are looking for a clinic that offers dentistry for kids in Mesa, AZ, check out East Valley Dental Professionals. We provide general, family and pediatric dentistry, among others. Our dentists have the necessary training, certification and experience in conducting dental procedures suitable for children.
Make an appointment with us today so we can secure and promote the dental health of your child.