A dentist is one who takes care of our teeth, gums and oral hygiene. A pediatric dentist is one who does the same, but for children. However, the role of a pediatric dentist is very specialized and a difficult one. This is because it is their task to not just treat diseases of the teeth and mouth area but also to inform and educate young children and their parents about oral hygiene.
For example, it is a pediatric dentist who will tell parents and children the importance of brushing teeth at least twice daily for at least two minutes each time. It is also their duty to tell the patients about the correct manner of brushing, which toothpaste to use et al. also, information about flossing is also given by them. Also, the pediatric dentist should inform the patients, parents, and children the importance of visiting a dentist on a regular basis. In this manner, we can keep a check on our oral hygiene habits and also on our oral health. In addition to regular check-ups, the pediatric dentist will also help the patient understand the importance of getting screenings done time and again for oral cancer, gingivitis and other related maladies and ailments.
What else does a pediatric dentist do?
This one dentist can also help a person come to know the various ways in which he or she can have their smile corrected. Sometimes, children and even adults suffer from a lack of self-esteem since they do not have properly aligned teeth and hence, their smile is not perfect. The pediatric dentist can tell the children and their parents about the various cosmetic procedures which are available in the dental world these days to rectify such maladies. Braces, retainers and what else not can easily be had for a given amount of money to take care of such defects.
Also, the pediatric dentist tells the patients about the importance of having milk teeth. Some of us tend to neglect milk teeth thinking they are soon going to fall off and thus, why bother about them. What we do not realize is that childhood is the time when habits of oral hygiene are formulated. Thus, it is imperative that we learn to look after our milk teeth in the same manner as we would of our permanent teeth. This is information which is disseminated by a pediatric dentist. Also, the time when permanent teeth are coming in is a sensitive one. The patients should have a regular supply of calcium and other minerals to ensure that these do not fall short at this time.
Even the time when milk teeth are developing is a sensitive one for infants. This time is coupled with stomach aches, vomiting and other such symptoms when the body is getting all prepped up for the entry of milk teeth. Thus, it is the duty of the pediatric dentist to make parents aware of all they can do to ease the situation a bit for their infants and toddlers.
For more details contact: 1869 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514. Call: (203) 408-2248.