The pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of specialized training after dental school, and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. You may know someone who had a bad dental experience as a child- The pediatric dentist is dedicated to making sure that this never happens. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in explaining dental procedures, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs because of their extensive training in areas like behavior/fear/anxiety management, use of sedation/anesthesia when needed, and a focus on growth and development throughout the years
Why Are The Primary Teeth Important?
They’re just baby teeth, right? Wrong! While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13. Also, primary teeth are much smaller and thinner than adult teeth, so cavities form a lot faster- in as little as a few weeks! For young children, this can lead to pain, inability to eat, and ultimately may lead to teeth having to be extracted. But it doesn’t end there! If a child loses their primary teeth too early, problems can arise with spacing and drifting of other teeth, and can result in blocking out the permanent teeth from eruptiong.
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are also important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. Regular brushing and flossing is a step in the right direction on your journey to good oral health.
Learn more about the High House Pediatric Dentistry Treatment Philosophy here.