Pediatric Dentistry: Building Healthy Habits for Life

It is important to inculcate good oral hygiene habits in your children to establish a strong foundation for their permanent dentition. These habits pave the way for a smooth transition into adulthood for oral wellness.

The family dentist in Northwest Albuquerque, NM offers pediatric dentistry procedures for young patients for oral wellness. This forms a strong foundation for permanent dentition.

Understanding pediatric dentistry 

Pediatric dentistry, also known as pedodontics, is a branch of dentistry that deals with the evaluation and management of dental problems in children. It focuses on the maintenance and improvement of oral health in children. You must begin assessing your child’s oral health the moment their first tooth arrives and continue caring for their teeth as they grow old. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat babies and teenagers up to age 18.

The purpose of pediatric dentistry

• Pediatric dentistry focuses on primary oral care among children since they are at an increased risk of developing dental problems, due to unhealthy eating habits and poor oral hygiene. When oral health is neglected, the body suffers, and your child is unable to eat or drink anything, leading to nutritional deficiencies. 
• Caring for baby teeth is important since it paves the way for permanent teeth and forms a strong foundation. Regular parent and child education and decay prevention are the top priorities of pediatric dentistry. 
• It also aims to reduce anxiety and fear among young children by providing a relaxing environment to instill a positive attitude towards dentists. Furthermore, through primary oral care, dental issues can be detected early and treated effectively to prevent future complications. 

The treatments offered in pediatric dentistry

Depending on your child’s age and oral health needs, pediatric dentists offer the following procedures:

Dental examinations and X-rays

Dental exams and X-rays help detect any underlying decay or other problems (such as abscesses) from the permanent teeth that have not erupted.

Teeth cleaning

Special ultrasonic instruments are used to gently remove any debris or plaque from the tooth surface. It is advisable to visit the dentist every 6 months for maintenance.

Dental sealant

These are special coatings that form a protective layer on the tooth surface to prevent plaque and bacteria from harming the enamel layer.  

Fillings/restorations

Dentists can effectively restore the child’s tooth with either traditional metal or tooth-colored fillings.  

Pediatric dentists are well-trained specialists who handle young children. They also help create a calm and relaxing environment to ensure children develop a healthy relationship with the dentist to enhance their oral health.