Kids require special care and attention because of the changes their bodies are undergoing. The development of teeth in a child starts at six to twelve months after birth. The teeth start to erupt one after the other above the gumline with two teeth at the center of the bottom jaw coming out first.
By the time a baby is about two to three years, it possesses twenty teeth i.e four second molars, four first molars, four canines, four lateral incisors, and four central incisors. Baby teeth have shorter and different shaped roots that distinguish them from permanent teeth. This makes it easier for the roots to dissolve and to give space to the permanent teeth coming in.
This process of developing teeth in babies is called teething and it can be quite uncomfortable for the baby. The outer covering of the baby teeth is made with thinner enamel and this makes baby teeth look whiter. However, it also indicates the teeth’ vulnerability to tooth decay and other dental problems.
The dental health of an individual is as important as medical health. Therefore, children need a special dentist that caters to their tailored needs, hence the availability of pediatric dentistry in St Pete Beach, FL.
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with dental care, improvement, and management of the dental health of babies, children, adolescents, and anyone under the age of eighteen or twenty-one as the case may be. The people tasked with this care and management are called pediatric dentists. Pediatric dentists near you are professionals who have undergone about six years of training and are well equipped and qualified to handle dental problems in kids.
Specialists in pediatric dentistry near you can help to guide your child through the stages of development of growing a perfect set of teeth. Pediatric dentists help to address complications that may arise during the development of the child’s teeth.
What Does A Pediatric Dentist Do?
Pediatric dentists are saddled with the responsibility of:
- Conducting dental examinations and diagnosis: Dental X-rays and thorough examination help pediatric dentists to detect dental problems and the risk of your child developing a dental problem. They also diagnose dental conditions.
- Oral health education: Pediatric dentists help kids to learn good oral hygiene practices that would help their dental health. Listening to a dental professional can make kids calm and obedient.
- Preventive dental care: A pediatric dentist would help and educate a kid on the importance of preventive dental care. Also, a pediatric dentist offers preventive dental treatments like fluoride treatments, dental sealants application, etc.
- Dental treatment: Apart from preventive dental care, a pediatric dentist also offers dental treatment for dental problems affecting your child. An Endodontist in St Pete Beach performs pulp therapy and treats oral trauma. In case of premature milk teeth loss, a pedodontist can provide space maintainers to prevent malocclusion.
- Caring for oral injuries: A St. Pete Beach dentist can treat oral injuries sustained by children that can threaten their dental health.
- Managing existing dental problems.
Common Oral Health Issues Treated By Pediatric Dentists
Children with milk teeth possess thinner enamel than permanent teeth. Therefore, they are more prone to dental decay and a host of other dental problems. Common oral health issues in kids include:
- Tooth Decay: Although a thinner enamel produces a whiter tooth, it also makes the tooth vulnerable to decay. Frequent exposure of baby teeth to sugary and starchy liquids can cause the teeth to start decaying as soon as they appear. In situations like this, a pediatric dentist might suggest a dental filling or a root canal procedure if the tooth has rot so badly.
- Thumb-sucking: Thumb-sucking is a common instinctive habit in kids that should stop about age two to three. It is usually not a cause for alarm but can be if it extends beyond the age of three. This is because it can have negative effects on a kid’s dental health. Thumb-sucking can cause alignment problems and affect the roof of the mouth. A pediatric dentist provides expert advice and helps to break this bad habit in your kid.
Other oral health problems in kids include gum diseases, bad breath, sensitive teeth, malocclusion, teething problems, etc.
