What Does a Pediatric Dentist in Columbia MD Do?

A pediatric dentist in Columbia MD is a specialist who works with children. They have gone through extra schooling to understand how to best care for children and their teeth.pediatric dentist in Columbia, MD They work to make your child comfortable and at ease during their dental visits. They also know how to teach children the importance of maintaining a healthy smile.

During their initial oral evaluation visit, pediatric dentists will check for tooth decay and erupting teeth, update the patient’s X-rays, and provide a deeper teeth cleaning than what is possible at home. In addition, they will give the parents tips on dental hygiene, non-nutritive oral habits, injury prevention, and other issues specific to children.

Because children’s teeth and jaws are still developing, it is important for them to have regular preventative dental visits. Ideally, this should begin within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth and no later than one year. Regular visits allow the pediatric dentist to spot potential problems and address them immediately.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all infants see a pediatric dentist no later than the age of one, or six months after the first tooth erupts. During their initial visit, the pediatric dentist will perform an oral exam, review the medical and dental history, and clean and floss the teeth. They may also apply fluoride and sealants to the teeth to help protect them from cavities.

In the event of a dental emergency, pediatric dentists are trained to handle minor tooth extractions, which are typically done under local anesthetic. If your child requires a more extensive tooth removal, it will likely require surgery and stronger anesthetic, which is performed by an oral surgeon.

Besides providing general and preventative dentistry services, pediatric dentists can also offer their patients orthodontic procedures, such as 6-Month Smiles special braces. They can also offer their patients sports mouthguards and dental implants to replace missing teeth. In addition, they can treat jaw disorders, such as TMJ.

If your child is involved in contact sports, it is crucial that they wear a mouthguard to minimize the risk of dental injuries. A sports mouthguard is a custom-fitted mouthpiece that is designed to protect the teeth and soft tissues from impact and force. They can be fabricated at a pediatric dentist’s office, and most insurance companies will cover the cost of a fitted mouthguard.

It is recommended to have children see a dentist before they start school, or no later than the age of 1. This will help them become familiar with dental visits and build a positive attitude towards them. Children who are comfortable with their dentist are more likely to maintain good oral health, and are less likely to develop a fear of dental visits as they grow older. While it is normal for children to cry during their initial visits, try to comfort them and explain that the visit will not hurt. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist at least twice a year for a preventative dental appointment and to have their X-rays updated.