The Role of Pediatric Dentists in Gilbert, AZ: What Sets Them Apart from General Dentists
As a parent, you always want what’s best for your children. That’s why you bring them to pediatricians, feed them foods that will feed their development, encourage physical exercise, and give them books and toys that will help their mental and emotional development. However, one often overlooked aspect of a healthy child is their oral health.
Of course, you know to brush their teeth after every meal and feed them tooth-friendly foods that are low in sugar and acid. But did you know you should also take kids to a dentist who specializes in children’s oral health? It’s easy to assume dental care is no different between children and adults. However, kids have their own unique oral health needs that require the care of a childrens dentist in Gilbert AZ.
Taking your child to the pediatric dentist is important due to their specialized knowledge in children’s development, child-friendly offices, and equipment designed specifically for kids.
The Important Role of Primary Teeth
Primary teeth, usually called baby teeth, are very important for children’s development for multiple reasons:
- They help kids chew and eat properly as they transition to solid foods
- They guide adult teeth into the correct alignment
- They support healthy jawbone and mouth muscle development
- They affect speech development
Poor hygiene in baby teeth can lead to cavities, which often lead to problems with adult teeth. So it’s hard to stress enough how important maintaining your kid’s baby teeth is!
Expertise in Children’s Development
Even though they look the same to the untrained eye, baby teeth and adult teeth have different anatomies from adult teeth and are prone to different health issues. Pediatric dentists spend two to three years specializing in pediatric care after dental school. They understand the specific dental issues children may face such as thumb sucking, “shark teeth” (when adult teeth erupt behind baby teeth), fluorosis, and tongue thrusting.
Pediatric dentistry programs teach dentists not only how to diagnose these issues, but how to work with children to treat them as well.
Specialized Childrens Dentist in Gilbert AZ Offices
The dentist’s office is not known as a welcoming or fun environment. A pediatric dentist’s office, conversely, is designed and equipped for small children. Pediatric offices usually use soothing pastel colors, include a play area in waiting rooms, and include stuffed animals or toys to teach kids about oral hygiene. These child-friendly spaces relax kids, making check-ups and procedures easier and teaching them a trip to the dentist is nothing to be afraid of.
Tools and Equipment Designed for Children
Children have unique dental needs, therefore they need unique or specialized equipment. A general dentist may have these tools on hand but many do not. General dentistry equipment is often too large for children, making visits uncomfortable or even painful. A children’s dentist will use more appropriately sized tools, including tongue cleaners and finger brushes for babies. Pediatric offices often come equipped to address children’s special needs, which many general dentistry offices can’t accommodate.
Oral hygiene and dental health are important no matter your age. Keeping your children’s teeth healthy will encourage healthy adult teeth and healthy development in muscles and bones. If your child doesn’t have a dedicated childrens dentist in Gilbert AZ, consider scheduling an appointment today.
