3 Protective Pediatric Dentistry Solutions Every Parent Needs To Know About
Children require specialized dental care because of developing underlying teeth. Pediatric dentistry is the type of care that children receive. Many parents and caretakers choose dentists who solely treat children. There are several reasons why this is a good option for care, including a dentist's office environment that is designed with children in mind. These offices have support staff members who have also received training that equips them to better understand children. There are a variety of strategies that might be implemented to help children with special needs or dental anxiety. Many of the treatments administered in pediatric dentistry offices are similar to treatments that adults receive. The following points identify a few dental solutions that pediatric dentists offer.
Exams and Cleanings
Dental exams and cleanings are an important part of preventive care. Parents should not take chances and assume that brushing and flossing their children's teeth is and observing for signs of decay is enough. Daily care routines are needed, but exams and professional cleanings are needed to identify early signs of decay and developmental issues. X-rays are used to perform exams, and they can help pediatric dentists to identify issues below the gumline such as crowded teeth. Sometimes early signs of decay cannot be detected by sight because some cavities are translucent. Dentists can identify them with specialized equipment and offer treatment solutions. Exams can also serve as a method of preventing tooth decay when poor oral hygiene signs such as tartar are observed.
Space Maintainers
Some children have to get their teeth extracted before they naturally fall out. Pediatric dentists might make the recommendation for extractions when there is severe tooth decay, infection, or mouth pain. Children can also lose teeth due to mouth trauma. These circumstances lead to gaps or spaces between their intact teeth. The spaces can cause issues when it is time for their permanent teeth to push through the gums. Dentists can create space maintainer devices to mimic the presence of the missing teeth. These are available as removable or semi-permanent options. They are a valuable solution to improve the likelihood of teeth developing in their natural growth pattern rather than being misaligned.
Fluoride Treatments
These treatments may be recommended if a pediatric dentist identifies that a child has a fluoride deficiency risk. Most municipal water supplies have fluoride added. This mineral can also be found in certain foods, dental care formulas such as toothpaste, and some bottled water options. Dentists perform risk assessments and can use the results to determine if a prescription is needed.
If you are looking for the best pediatric dentistry solutions for your child, contact a dental office such as New England Dental Specialists of Norwood.
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