Kids Dentistry

Kids Dentistry–A Crucial First Step for Life-long Healthy Teeth

The foundation of a great smile and a healthy set of teeth is laid early with kids’ dentistry and its main goal is to educate them about the importance of oral health. A kid’s regular dental visit includes detecting early signs of decay and looking for cavities, which are the most common dental problems in kids. Dental issues like cavities are detected early on with the help of these frequent visits, and this early detection can save kid’s teeth from severe dental problems in future. The fear and anxiety related to dental procedures or dentists are also reduced with the help of regular dental visits during childhood.

You should not underestimate the importance of oral health in kids because it is directly related to their overall health. Kids with poor oral health experience pain and discomfort while eating which results in malnutrition.

Also, having dirty stained teeth can impact their social life negatively. On the other hand, good oral health ensures that they will eat well, develop good oral habits and their teeth will stay healthy life long.

Benefits of Early Dental Care for Kids

Early Dental care and Oral health awareness in kids are beneficial in the long run, some benefits of this early care are given below:

Early Detection of Dental Problems: This is probably the most emphasised benefit of early dental care in kids. The major concern with dental problems is that the longer they are left untreated the more damage they do to your teeth and gums. For example, cavity bacteria from one tooth can spread to the neighbouring teeth and infect them too. That’s just one example and the same thing can be said for other dental problems that is why it is important to detect and treat these problems in the early stage. Treating these problems in the early stage is affordable and requires fewer resources.

Developing healthy habits: The main objective of Kids’ Dentistry is to educate kids about the importance of healthy oral habits like brushing and flossing. You cannot stop your kids from having chocolates and sweets but you can teach them how they can take care of their teeth afterwards.

Reducing Anxiety: Many adults avoid going to the dentist because of the fear and anxiety associated with dental procedures. That is why taking your kids to the dentist in the early stage gets them used to the procedures and the environment, this also helps them understand that there is nothing to be scared of.

Healthy Teeth for the Future: Kids Dentistry ensures the healthy development of teeth and gums from a young age. Baby teeth and their health are important because they provide space and support for adult teeth. Hence, taking care of teeth from a young age helps to grow strong and healthy adult teeth.

Helps in Overall Growth: It may surprise you but Oral health in kids is directly related to their overall growth. A healthy set of teeth helps them eat without pain or discomfort ensuring that they get enough nutrients. Also, bad teeth or poor oral health can affect sleep in kids.

Teeth Cleaning

Role of Parents and Dentists in Kid’s Oral Health

Oral health in kids serves as a foundation for their future dental conditions and that’s why adults must make them aware of the benefits of good oral health. Most of the kids refuse to go to the dentist because of the scary-looking equipment and that is why they develop anxiety related to dental procedures at a very early stage. However, parents and dentists can help them understand that there is nothing to be afraid of and these procedures are only for their benefit.

The role of a pediatric dentist includes detecting potential oral diseases, educating kids about good oral habits and spreading awareness among parents. According to studies, there was an increase in dental visits when the clinic staff were trained to talk to parents about the benefits of oral health.

Why is communication crucial for Kids Dentistry?

A pediatric dentist needs to have great communication skills so kids can feel at ease around them. The duty of a dentist also includes providing kids with important advice regarding oral care and kids will only listen to a dentist when they trust them. As parents, you should act as a bridge between kids and their dentists for better communication.

Kids Dentistry

The trust built by communication helps kids in reducing their fear and anxiety, those kids who are not afraid of dental treatments frequently revisit the clinic. This helps them maintain their oral health with regular checkups. Due to this extra need for communication, pediatric dentists go through an extra training period of 2-3 years, during which they learn about the psychology of kids and other special skills required in unique cases of kids dentistry.

Adult Dentistry

How is Kids Dentistry different from Adult Dentistry?

The main difference between adult and kid’s dentistry is the main objective. Kid’s dentistry is primarily focused on preventing future dental problems and educating them about the advantages of good oral health. Adult dentistry’s main goal is to maintain good oral health and perform other complex dental procedures like tooth fillings, teeth whitening, dental implants or root canal treatment.

Baby teeth usually grow from about 6 months and start falling around the age of 6 but these temporary teeth are very essential. They provide space for adult teeth and healthy baby teeth also ensure straight alignment of adult teeth.

A note from Dentis Healthcare to kids and their parents

Kids are not able to decide for themselves, so primarily parents are responsible for their oral health. Good oral habits in kids start from their parents because kids learn most things by seeing their parents as an example. If you want your kids to brush twice a day, you should brush twice daily to set an example, the same goes for other healthy oral habits like flossing and following a healthy diet.

You can trust Dentis Healthcare with your kids’ oral health because our professional and experienced staff know the true significance of kids’ dentistry. Our pediatric dentists are trained professionals who will not only treat your kids’ dental issues but also educate them about the importance of good oral health. Our dental procedures and examinations are transparent and done with the help of technologically advanced systems. This helps us in completing the treatment with almost no pain which reduces anxiety and builds trust in kids.

Conclusion

Kid’s dentistry or Pediatric dentistry is the root of healthy teeth and gums for life. Regular dentist visits during childhood help kids in a couple of ways, it reduces the risk of severe dental problems and makes them habitual with the clinic visits so that they don’t feel anxious in future. Kids’ oral health is directly related to their overall growth because a good and healthy set of teeth ensures that your kids eat properly and get all the essential nutrients. Kids dentistry educates them about good oral habits and prevents cavities early on.

If your kids are also experiencing pain and discomfort while eating or their teeth are visibly getting darker, you need to take them for a dental visit. Early visits can help them avoid severe dental problems in the future and help them maintain healthy and clean natural teeth. Good oral health also ensures clean teeth which also increases their confidence in social gatherings.

FAQs

Kids’ first dental visit should take place within 12 months from birth, or 6 months after their first tooth appears.

There is no appropriate age to start brushing, but brushing only with water and a soft brush is recommended as soon as the first tooth appears. Children can use a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste only after 18 to 20 months.

Communication is the key, talk to your kids and teach them about the importance of oral health in a playful way. Choose a pediatric dentist who understands the psychology of kids and has a welcoming and playful environment in their clinic.

Yes, Pediatric dentists specialise in kids’ dentistry and undergo additional training for 2-3 years to learn how to handle the unique requirements of kids’ dentistry and understand their psychology for better communication.

Dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste for kids which helps in protecting their teeth against decay and cavities. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Regular dental visits for kids are very important because they help in the early detection of dental problems and educate them about the importance of oral health. You should take your kids to the dentist once every 6 months.

Yes, the oral health of kids is directly related to their overall growth. Poor oral health leads to pain and discomfort while eating which can cause malnutrition.

Teach your kids about healthy oral habits like brushing, flossing, avoiding too many sugary products and rinsing teeth after eating anything.