Importance of pediatric and family dentistry
Pediatric dentistry, also known as pedodontics, is the specialty of dentistry that treats dental diseases of young people. Unlike other specialties of dentistry, pediatric dentistry focuses on prevention along with early detection and treatment of dental diseases. Pediatric dentistry can be practiced by your family dentist in Frisco. Many general practitioners and family dentists have been treating children from infancy through adolescence to adulthood with great success. However, only those dentists who have undergone specialist training can be called pediatric dentists or pedodontists.
Many parents avoid taking their children for dental checkups to save money. They tend to believe that “baby teeth” fall out anyway, so treatment would be a waste. Studies have shown, however, that overall dental costs for children who underwent regular dental checkups before age one was 40 percent lower than those who didn’t. Dental checkups at an early age help the dentist evaluate risk factors for possible dental decay in the future and suggest suitable preventive measures, like fluoride application and dental sealants. Getting an early start in regular dental care is an important step on the road to teaching your child healthy oral hygiene habits and preventing fear of the dentist.
Early visits also help in identifying habits like thumb sucking and mouth breathing and proper measures can be implemented to prevent dental disorders. Specially made appliances can restrict or encourage growth of the jaws to help achieve a proper facial profile when the jaws are undergoing changes.
Early tooth loss caused by advanced tooth decay can cause a multitude of problems in children. Oral health problems can lead to speech development disorders, inability to concentrate on important early learning experiences, and frequent absences from school. Chronic dental pain can cause children to lose focus, causing distractions, and may impede schoolwork. Their performance in school may be adversely affected. Studies have also shown that loss of teeth can affect their self-image, leading to decreased confidence in social relationships. New research findings suggest that improper oral hygiene may increase a child’s risk of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke as an adult.
Baby teeth or primary teeth play a crucial role in the proper nutrition of the child, along with speech development. They also act as natural space maintainers, so retaining these teeth until their permanent counterparts have emerged is of paramount importance.
Pediatric dentists are trained in child psychology and are better trained to deal with patients with mental or physical disorders. They are in a better position to deal with difficult patients and are an important member of the team that comprises of pediatricians, other physicians, and dental specialists who are committed to the overall health of the child. Visit your nearest family dentist in Frisco to learn more about pediatric dentistry.
