Pediatric dentists provide dental care for children. As advocates for children’s oral health, pediatric dentists offer primary dental care procedures beginning with teeth exams and cleanings at an early age and continuing throughout the child’s development. They recommend that children be seen as early as twelve months of age or six months after the eruption of their first baby teeth. The primary focus of a pediatric dentist is the prevention and early detection of decay and other dental problems in children.
In addition to the provision of twice-yearly teeth cleanings and exams, most pediatric dentists recommend annual fluoride treatments for children to help re-mineralize their teeth and strengthen the enamel in order to make the teeth more resistant to caries (decay). As part of their focus on preventive dental care, pediatric dentists, hygienists, and certified dental assistants offer child-friendly tips on the proper way for children to brush their teeth along with advice on which types of food and beverages to avoid for healthy teeth.
With a strong emphasis on providing a positive dental experience for children, pediatric dentists strive to create a good rapport that encourages a relaxed visit. In addition to teeth exams and cleanings, they take x-rays in order to assist in the early detection of dental caries.
Most pediatric dentists offer an array of services, including sealants and fillings. Sealants are thin coverings that help to prevent decay in the crevices of molars, and they are recommended for children with deep fissures in their teeth. Fillings are also provided if they become necessary due to dental decay.
