Going to the dentist is important for everyone of all ages. Therefore, it should be a family endeavor. Your child’s oral health can influence their adulthood. Additionally, your child goes through numerous changes and growth from infancy to their teen years. So, you need a dentist that can keep up with all their changes. If you take your child to a pediatrician, you should consider taking them to a pediatric dentist.

Because of their fluctuating hormones and diet, children are at risk for developing several dental conditions, including tooth decay. In fact, cavities are the most common chronic illness among children. Over half of children (52%) between the ages of six and eight have cavities. Children need a dentist that can grow with them. 

Hormonal Changes

As children grow, they undergo changes in their bodies and hormones. When they experience hormone fluctuations, they are at an increased risk of developing gum disease. 

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. Typically, poor oral hygiene causes many cases of gum disease. However, hormone changes can increase the chances of gum disease. This is because gums become more sensitive. In the beginning stages of gum disease, the gums become red or swollen. Without treatment, gum disease can cause more severe problems, including tooth loss and bone deterioration. 

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt from the gums during one’s late teens to early twenties. Because most people don’t have enough room in their mouths, dentists typically must extract them. Without extraction, wisdom teeth can become impacted. This happens when the molars cannot fully break through the gums. Unfortunately, this can cause infection or an abscess. 

If children regularly visit their pediatric dentist, they will be better prepared for their eventual wisdom teeth removal. 

Early Detection

With regular visits, dentists can catch dental issues before they become painful or costly problems. For example, your dentist will be able to identify future bite problems. Then, they will make a plan to minimize your child’s issues.

Additionally, a pediatric dentist can fix cavities before they cause any long-term damage. Without treatment, cavities can continue to decay and eventually damage permanent adult teeth. 

Children’s Behavior

Pediatric dentists realize that children are going to be wary of dental treatments. Additionally, it is hard to keep children’s attention for things they like, let alone things they don’t want to do. Pediatric dentists have specialized experience in dealing with children. They know how to keep themselves calm and distracted. Patience is a virtue that is common among pediatric dentists. 

Education

Not only are pediatric dentists specialists in childhood issues, but they are experts in educating children and guardians. Many people are knowledgeable about dealing with their permanent adult teeth. However, they may not know how to take care of their children’s teeth. Additionally, they may not know how to teach their children how to take care of their own teeth. With pediatric dentists, they have the know-how for parents and children alike.