Pediatric Dentistry
Pedodontics, or Pediatric Dentistry, refers to a branch of dentistry that specializes in dental care for children under the age of 16. Pediatric dentists require an extra two to three years of dental training that prepare them in meeting the unique dental needs of infant children and adolescent dental care. This also includes those with special health care needs.
The child psychology component of pediatric training manifests itself in special office designs, different communication styles, and an emphasis on teaching oral health and preventative dental habits to children in an effort to make dental visits enjoyable.
Additionally, we focus on the importance of maintaining primary teeth (baby teeth) until they are lost. Primary teeth serve an important function, allowing children to learn to chew properly, develop proper speech patterns and save space for permanent teeth. A family dentist is always available during each dental visit at our Hyde Park pediatric dentistry office to work on achieving your child’s set of healthy teeth.
The role of the pediatric dentist changes as children enter adolescence. Our dentists recognize the growing importance of appearance and self-image in our adolescent patients. We emphasize preventive care and provide education to our young patients on subjects such as wisdom teeth, tobacco use, sealants, dental cleaning, dental medicine, orthodontics and oral piercing.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents take their child to the dentist sometime between the presence of the first tooth and their first birthday. Early mouth examinations aid in the detection early stages of tooth decay, allowing them to be treated immediately.
Start good dental health and habits early – contact our office to schedule pediatric dental care today!