In this review, we discuss the most common pediatric dental services and how they benefit your child’s oral health and development.
The most common pediatric dental services include pediatric dental cleanings, routine exams, dental sealants, fluoride treatment, cavity fillings, and orthodontic services.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health in children and preventing a range of common concerns (i.e., cavities). During a pediatric dental exam, the dental team examines the child's teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Professional dental cleaning services for children help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which further reduces the risk of weakened enamel, cavity development, or periodontal (gum) disease.
These thin protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, which are areas that are the most vulnerable to cavities among children and adults because food particles and bacteria can become trapped in the crevices. Dental sealants are part of a preventive pediatric dental service and reduce the risk of cavities. They are more affordable than cavity fillings and are ideal for many parents to reduce pediatric dental costs and avoid the need for more invasive procedures for their children.
This natural mineral helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Pediatric dentists often offer fluoride treatments for young patients to reduce the risk of childhood cavities. Fluoride is strongly recommended if the child has weakened enamel that has not yet eroded. In this case, the symptoms of enamel erosion can be reversed, and the need for cavity fillings can often be prevented. Fluoride treatment usually comes in the form of mouthwash, though the pediatric dentist may also recommend fluoride-based toothpaste.
If a child develops a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a suitable dental material; this is known as a cavity filling. Pediatric dentists often use tooth-colored fillings to ensure a natural appearance, particularly for more visible teeth that are used less for chewing purposes.
Tooth-colored filling materials often include amalgam and composite resin. Metal-alloy or gold fillings may be options for premolars and molars that are less visible and used more for chewing . The cavity-filling process is mostly pain free due to the use of numbing agents, though it may take up to 12 hours for the numbness to go away after the procedure.
Pediatric dentists can provide early orthodontic services, including orthodontic consultations to assess the development of the child’s permanent teeth. Dental X-rays can reveal the future development of teeth that have not yet emerged. If necessary, pediatric dentists may recommend early orthodontic care services, such as a palatal expander, to help reduce the severity of orthodontic concerns and subsequently, reduce the cost of braces (and the length of orthodontic treatment) when the child is older.
It is recommended for parents to take their child for their first dental visit within six months after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and enable the dentist to monitor oral development. It also helps prevent the development of dental anxiety or phobias.
A pediatric dentist focuses on providing oral care to infants, children, and adolescents (ages 18 and under). Pediatric dentists create a child-friendly dental office environment and use various techniques to make children feel comfortable and provide a more in-depth understanding of pediatric dental services. General dentists may also provide pediatric services, but they primarily focus on treatment for adults and may not offer a kid-friendly atmosphere to the same extent.
Dental cleanings and exams for children are typically recommended every four to six months. However, the frequency might vary based on the child's individual oral health needs. Some children might require more frequent visits, while others with good oral hygiene habits might be fine with fewer visits. The pediatric dentist will provide personalized recommendations based on the child's oral health status.
Are you considering pediatric dental services for your child? If so, we are more than happy to help. We offer a range of common pediatric dental services, and you can get started with a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to schedule your child’s first visit.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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