Pediatric dentistry primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence. Some pediatric dentists (pedodontists) opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs, specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.
Child psychology is one of the most important components of pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.
- Care for Your Child’s Teeth
- Dental Emergencies
- Does Your Child Grind His or Her Teeth at Night?
- Eruption of Your Child’s Teeth
- First Visit
- How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?
- Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
- Sedation Dentistry for Children
- What’s the Best Toothpaste for My Child?
- When Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit?
- Why Are Primary Teeth Important?
What Does a Dentist Do for Children?
It is the function of Dentists to fulfill many important functions pertaining to the child’s overall oral health and hygiene. They place importance on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.
Other important functions include:
dentists educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.
By continuously tracking growth and development, dentists are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.
Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay. In addition to providing check-ups and dental cleanings, dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb-sucking/pacifier and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.
In some cases, dentists may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents. In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.
If you have questions or concerns about children’s dentistry, please contact our office at (403) 277-7464.
Children’s Oral Health Guide
Click here to download our free guide on child oral health for parents.
Springbank Dental Centre offers direct billing
FILLINGS WITHOUT NEEDLES
Learn more about our LightWalker laser and how it has changed dentistry.
Little Smiles Program
Bring your toddler or young child to Springbank Dental Centre’s Little Smiles Program. This event is specifically designed to give them a fun and positive first experience at the dentist!
Children are introduced to the dentist and staff at their own pace in a warm and welcoming environment. During your child’s visit with us, we will show them all the “tools” and “gadgets” of the dental world, count their teeth with them, and inform them, and you, about oral health! By introducing kids to the importance of oral health as early as possible it will help in eliminating or reducing anxiety that would be carried into adulthood.
We can’t wait to meet your little one!
Our Free Guides
When you visit our office, your smile is our top priority. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs. This website is a resource we hope you’ll find both useful and interesting.
Please browse through our website and be sure to give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Sincerely,
Springbank Dental Centre
- 116-30 Springborough Blvd SW
- Calgary, AB T3H 0N9
