Pediatrics

Pediatric Dentist

Children require specialized dental care, and pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to provide treatment to young patients. Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that is dedicated to treating children and adolescents. In addition to providing routine care, pediatric dentists also focus on educating their patients about oral hygiene and dental care.

Whom Does A Pediatric Dentist Treat?

Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children’s dental needs. Pediatric dentists can treat children of all ages and typically serve children ages 0-17.

A child’s teeth start growing early, around the age of 6 months. Children at this age should visit a pediatric dentist regularly to monitor their teeth’s growth and development. By the age of 3, a child should visit the dentist at least every six months.

Through proper dental care, children can avoid tooth decay and avoid orthodontic problems.

Why Should I Take My Child To See The Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by the dentist once they develop their first tooth or by the time they turn one year old. At the first visit, the dentist will perform an examination and clean and polish their teeth. Some dentists may perform X-rays to check for cavities.

Service Offered By A Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists undergo an additional two years of training beyond dental school to learn about caring for the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. These dentists have in-depth knowledge of the growth, development, and needs of young patients. The services offered by a pediatric dentist include the following:

• Oral health exams and teeth cleanings
• Tooth decay and cavity treatments
• Fluoride treatments 
• Dental sealants
• Early orthodontic treatments - diagnosis and treatment to straighten teeth or fix an improper bite
• Emergency treatment and repair for dental injuries like fractured, broken, or displaced teeth
• Gum disease management
• Early diagnosis and detection of oral health issues resulting from asthma, hay fever, and ADHD. 
• Correction of habits like thumb-sucking, nail-biting, etc. 

Advantages of Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry can benefit your children in many ways. Here are some reasons why this type of dentistry is the best choice:

• Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat children. 
• A pediatric dentist is specially trained to work with kids, so they know how to calm them down and make their visit as pleasant as possible.
• A pediatric dentist will be able to identify and treat dental problems young patients may have, such as thumb sucking or baby bottle tooth decay.

Early Dentist Visits

Early dentist visits are important in ensuring your child develops healthy dental habits. Studies show that children who visit the dentist before age one are less likely to need extensive dental work in the future. The earlier your child visits the dentist, the easier it is for the dentist to identify any potential problems in your child’s oral health. 

At Point Loma Dentistry, our pediatric doctors are great with kids. They make sure each one feels special from the moment they walk through the door. Our pediatric dentists understand how important it is to make your child feel safe and comfortable throughout their appointment. We offer a variety of treatment options and sedation methods that will keep you and your child at ease. When your child visits our pediatric dentists, they are in good hands. Our dentists are specially trained to treat children and know how to put your child at ease.

If you would like to learn more about pediatric dentistry, ourDentist in San Diego, CA, Dr. Louis Paulerio, is here to help. Call (619) 223-3811 to schedule your consultation appointment today!