What is a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists want to reinforce good oral health in children from their infancy through their teenage years. They have the qualifications, training, and experience to care for your children’s teeth and gums throughout the stages of childhood. But what is a pediatric dentist, and how can they help you and your child?

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

Children get their first baby teeth around 6 months of age. They will begin losing those baby teeth around 6 to 7 years of age, and their secondary, permanent teeth replace them. Your children need appropriate dental care during this time. Otherwise, they could experience oral decay and health issues that could lead to a lifetime of complications and pain. Dental caries, which is an infectious disease, happens in early childhood. It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children.

What Treatments Will a Pediatric Dentist Provide?

As a qualified children’s dentist, Lovett Dental offers comprehensive dental care, including the following:

• Oral health exams for infants including a risk assessment for caries
• Preventive dental care such as fluoride treatments, cleanings, and diet, and nutrition recommendations
• Habit counseling and advice (for instance, thumb sucking or pacifier use)
• Early intervention for correcting an improper bite and straightening teeth (orthodontics)
• Repair of tooth defects and cavities
• Diagnosis of oral health conditions associated with diseases like a congenital heart defect, diabetes, hay fever, asthma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Care for injuries such as displaced, fractured, or knocked-out teeth

Pediatric Dentists Provide Proper Oral Care for Children

Children aren’t small adults. They may not be capable of being cooperative and patient during a dental exam. However, a Lovett Dental pediatric dentist has the training and experience to treat and examine children in a way that ensures their comfort. Also, a qualified pediatric dentist will have equipment designed for a child’s smaller mouth. Exam rooms provide decorations with children in mind.

A Lovett Dental pediatric dentist provides a broad array of treatment options in addition to the training and expertise to care for your child’s gums and teeth. When your pediatrician suggests a dental exam for your child, a pediatric dentist provides the best possible care.

Pediatric Dentists Teach Your Children About Oral Health

Your pediatric dentist at Lovett Dental knows how to talk with your children about good oral health habits. They will also help educate you on the best ways to care for your children’s gums and teeth. Through this consultation and education, your family dentist helps the entire family develop healthy habits. This includes lessons on the proper way to brush and floss teeth.

Seeing a dentist regularly also impresses the importance of maintaining good oral health practices. Your pediatric dentist offers an array of preventive care services like teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, dental X-rays, and dental exams.

Pediatric Dentists Connect and Coach

Children respond better when their dentist acts as their coach. Connection with the child produces better compliance with their healthy habits. This is especially important as your child moves into their teen years. You want them to continue following those good oral care practices.

What is a pediatric dentist? Find out today when you contact Lovett Dental by calling 832-804-7427. We have plenty of after-school appointments available to fit your schedule.