The primary purpose of pediatric dentistry is to help children maintain good oral health throughout their lives. This involves providing preventive care, identifying and treating oral diseases and conditions, and helping children develop good oral hygiene habits. Pediatric pedodontics or dentistry is art and science and that branch of dental science, which deals with comprehensive and interceptive oral health in children from childhood to adolescence, particularly, and complete health in general. Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides primary and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special care needs.
Several restorative options used in pediatric dentistry are silver amalgam, gallium alloy, glass ionomer cement, composite, and crown strips. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend visiting a dentist before age 1.Choosing a pediatric dentist is the best way to establish a healthy foundation for your child's dental development, which affects their overall health for life. Just as your child sees a pediatrician as his primary medical provider, a pediatric dentist is the primary provider of oral health for your baby, child, and adolescent. One of the main reasons you should make sure you regularly visit the pediatric dentist is to allow your child to learn the essential dental practices he needs as he or she grows up.
As an advocate for children's oral health, the AAPD promotes evidence-based policies, best practices and clinical guidelines; educates and informs legislators, parents and guardians and other health professionals; encourages research; and provides continuing professional education to pediatric dentists and general dentists who they take care of children. If your child is struggling with a dental problem, don't hesitate to see experienced pediatric dentists at Lexington Family Smiles. In addition, when you take your child to the pediatric dentist at a young age, they will be more used to and comfortable with the process and, therefore, will be more likely to continue doing so as they grow up. Pediatric dentists work in a variety of locations, including private practices, dental schools, and medical centers.
Children and teens should receive pediatric dental care throughout childhood, regardless of mental and physical abilities. When your pediatrician suggests that your child undergo a dental exam, you can be sure that a pediatric dentist will provide the best care possible. Pediatric dentistry offices offer child-friendly environments and staff who are specially trained and passionate about keeping a young person happy, calm, and comfortable during their visits. A pediatric dentist must complete an advanced postdoctoral course accredited by the American Dental Association, with a minimum of two academic years in the specialty of pediatric dentistry to gain the skills necessary to be considered a specialist in the field.
A pediatric dentist is also known as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), children's dentist, or pedodontist.
