7/16/09

Caring for your child's teeth, Tijuana, Mexico

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the cares and concerns of our health when we’re adults, but let’s not forget that our little ones need just as much care and attention – sometimes even more so.

We all know that kids can get into all sorts of trouble, whether they’re in the playground or scribbling all over your freshly painted living room wall. Sometimes, though, these mishaps can end up causing a lost tooth or other types of dental damage. That’s where paediatric dentistry comes in. It’s a special branch of dentistry that deals exclusively with children, and it could very well save your child’s smile one day.

 

What is Paediatric Dentistry?

Because the nature and structure of a child’s teeth differs drastically from that of an adult, the amount of care needed and the way it is delivered needs to be different too. For this reason, paediatric dentistry was created. The ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of paediatric dentistry aims to discover new ways to deal with the various infections and problems that children can encounter, whilst the ‘front line’ is made up of actual paediatric dentists, who are experienced in treating a range of oral hygiene problems in children.

 

One factor that has to be considered by paediatric dentists is the fact that children often have ‘baby teeth’, which will eventually fall out and be replaced with their adult counterparts. Because the size and shape of these teeth is very different to their adult forms, the tools and procedures are also very different. Paediatric dentists also come across a range of oral hygiene issues with kids because they have a tendency to not want to clean their teeth, and are difficult to convince of the benefits. Call it the arrogance of youth, but for some reason, telling them their teeth will drop out when they’re old doesn’t seem to bother them!

 

What Are the Benefits of Paediatric Dentistry?

There are a whole host of benefits that are associated with proper paediatric dental care. First and foremost is obviously the health of your child’s teeth. Children are notoriously difficult when it comes to oral hygiene, and a paediatric dentist can give you all sorts of advice which will help you do a better job of imparting the skills necessary for your child to retain a great set of pearly whites.

 

It is generally recommended that you take your child to see a paediatric dentist roughly once every six months. This will ensure that their teeth are receiving the best possible care. The paediatric dentist will give the child’s teeth a thorough check-up and, if necessary, a good clean. Another benefit of a paediatric dentist is that they are able to provide you with knowledge that you probably couldn’t gain elsewhere. They can teach you how to clean your children’s teeth properly, including flossing and mouthwash if appropriate.

 

For more information about Dentistry, visit our Chula Vista Dentist Office Website