Pediatric dentistry is one of ten dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. It deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of children’s teeth and gums.
Developing good oral hygiene habits at an early age is critical for overall health. Pediatric dentists specialize in helping kids develop these habits, which can last a lifetime.
Preventive care
Practicing good oral care is an essential part of children’s health, and Pediatric dentistry offers treatments to help kids maintain their healthy teeth and gums. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends visits to the dentist every six months. These visits allow the dentist to monitor dental growth and development, catching problems like tooth decay or misaligned teeth early on.
While the primary goal is to prevent problems from arising, pediatric dentists also provide treatment for existing issues. These treatments include fillings, fluoride treatment, and sealants. Additionally, they can provide advice on dietary choices, brushing techniques, and habits (like thumb sucking) that can damage a child’s dental health.
Children’s teeth need special attention, as they are susceptible to tooth decay and infection more than adults. Seeing a Pediatric dentist regularly can reduce the risk of these issues, preventing future pain and costly dental procedures.
Fillings
Cavities are a common dental problem among kids that can lead to pain and infection. Pediatric dentists offer fillings to repair damaged teeth and prevent further decay. These fillings are made from a variety of materials and can be customized to match your child’s smile.
The dentist will first numb the tooth, and then remove the decay using a small drill. The hole in the tooth will be filled with a composite resin, and then sealed and cured using a special curing light.
Pediatric dentistry is one of ten dental specialty fields recognized by the American Dental Association. This branch of dentistry focuses on preventing dental problems like tooth decay in children, and educating parents on good oral hygiene practices. It also helps kids develop a positive attitude towards their teeth and gums that can last a lifetime. It can also help them avoid medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Sealants
Sealants are a plastic resin coating that our Katy pediatric dentist paints onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth to prevent food particles and bacteria from trapping in the pits and grooves. The procedure is painless and quick, and it can reduce the risk of tooth decay by up to 80%!
Although brushing and flossing are critical to preventing cavities, many young children still struggle with developing a regular oral hygiene routine. As a result, they are more prone to tooth decay than adults. Dental sealants can help protect their permanent molars from decay until they develop the skills necessary for healthy brushing.
We recommend applying sealants to children’s teeth as soon as they erupt, which is typically around their six and fourteen year old birthdays. However, older kids and even adults can benefit from sealants on their permanent molars as well.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a great alternative to traditional braces, using a series of clear retainers to straighten teeth. This allows your child to brush and floss normally, indulge in most foods and beverages and is nearly invisible. The Invisalign aligners are custom-made for your child with iTero digital imaging software. This ensures that your child’s treatment is accurate and efficient.
While traditional types of braces may cause pain and irritate the tongue, Invisalign’s smooth, clear plastic aligners don’t poke or chafe. They are also removable so your child can remove them before meals, reducing food-related discomfort.
If your teen’s dental insurance includes orthodontic coverage, it will cover a portion of the Invisalign cost. If not, we offer a number of payment options including 0% interest financing and flexible healthcare credit cards.
Teeth cleanings
Regular teeth cleanings are a vital part of pediatric dentistry. By removing excess bacteria and reducing inflammation, these visits help kids maintain healthy mouths. They also help parents learn about brushing techniques, dietary habits, and fluoride treatments that promote lasting smiles.
Unlike adult dental cleanings, pediatric dental cleanings are designed to be gentle. Kids are still learning how to clean their teeth, so dentists look for signs that they’re doing a good job. They may also use a curved tool to poke between the teeth to see if there are any abnormalities, but this isn’t painful.
Kids are also better able to communicate their concerns with pediatric dentists, so they’re less likely to experience anxiety during these appointments. They’re also the best people to help kids break unhealthy habits like thumb sucking, which can negatively impact dental health. In addition to cleanings, preventative services like sealants and fluoride treatments are common with pediatric dentistry.
X-rays
Pediatric dental X-rays are an essential tool for detecting problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This includes issues like interproximal decay (cavities between teeth) and recurrent decay under existing fillings. Early detection allows these problems to be treated before they become more serious, minimizing pain and discomfort for your child.
Radiation from X-rays is safe for children, and modern digital radiography exposes your child to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Additionally, advances in technology allow your child’s mouth and head to be X-rayed separately, further decreasing exposure.
Unlike traditional X-rays, which required bite blocks and lengthy periods of time to develop, digital X-rays offer fast, comfortable, high-quality images in just a few minutes. This helps your child stay more relaxed throughout their appointment and can make them more open to future visits and treatments. Plus, the low radiation used during X-rays reduces their risk for developing cancer later in life.