Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dental care for infants, children and adolescents. It focuses on preventive care, behavior guidance, treatment of dental injuries, and management of oral conditions unique to the growing child.
Dr. Bezerra has been in Florida since 2009 and loves working with children. He and his family enjoy boating, traveling and learning about different cultures. He is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
1. Preventative Care
Pediatric dentists provide preventative care, such as dental cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, and fillings. They also treat children who have problems with their teeth, such as cavities or irreversible tooth enamel erosion. They can also help children develop good oral hygiene habits and teach them what foods they should eat to maintain their dental health.
The American Academy of pediatric dentistry Kissimmee FL recommends that parents take their children to a dentist soon after the first baby teeth appear or by their first birthday. These visits allow a pediatric dentist to monitor the development of the child’s teeth and jaws and ensure that they are growing properly. They can also teach the child and parent about a daily at-home oral care routine that includes regular brushing, rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, and flossing twice a day.
2. Treating Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common childhood dental problem. It happens when plaque and tartar attack the teeth, causing the enamel to break down.
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to identify and treat these problems in children. They also help children establish healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Besides regular cleanings, pediatric dentists can offer treatments such as sealants and fluoride treatments to help prevent tooth decay. They can also provide fillings and crowns to repair damaged teeth.
Children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay because of their frequent intake of sugary foods and drinks such as milk and formula, candy, cookies, and juices. They also have a habit of thumb sucking which can lead to jaw growth problems and malocclusion (crooked teeth). Pediatric dentistry can help prevent these dental problems by offering treatments such as fillings and crowns.
3. Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease, which results in swollen, tender, and bleeding gum tissue, can eventually lead to more severe oral health problems like periodontitis and tooth loss. It has also been linked to health issues in other parts of the body such as heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers.
Pediatric dentists are experts at treating and preventing gum disease in children. They can also help parents establish a consistent daily home care routine to prevent gum disease from progressing.
Pediatric dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) remove tartar and plaque above and below the gum line and can halt the progression of periodontal disease. They can also restore decayed teeth and install fillings if needed. In addition, they can check for signs of oral cancer and perform X-rays.
4. Correcting Misalignment
Orthodontic services are another common corrective treatment in pediatric dentistry Kissimmee fl. This type of service helps correct misalignment in children’s teeth and jaws, which can cause a number of problems over time. Orthodontic treatments include braces, clear aligners, and palatal expanders.
Dental fillings are a common pediatric dentistry corrective treatment that addresses dental cavities. The procedure involves cleaning and disinfecting a damaged tooth, then sealing it with composite resin to restore its morphology, appearance, and protect it from further damage.
Many pediatric dentists also offer dental bonding, which fixes chips, cracks, and discolorations on a child’s teeth to improve their smile. This is a great option because it is safe, fast, and affordable. Most importantly, it doesn’t require any anesthesia or shots. This makes it an ideal corrective treatment for kids.
5. Creating a Positive Dental Experience
Creating a positive dental experience for children is a priority for pediatric dentists. The first visit should be within six months of the eruption of your child’s first tooth or by their first birthday, and regular checkups will help prevent problems like cavities from developing in the future.
Pediatric dentists are also trained to help children develop good oral hygiene habits that will last them a lifetime. This includes teaching kids how to brush, floss, and use mouthwash properly. It’s also important to teach kids how to avoid foods and drinks that can cause tooth decay.
Parents can find a qualified pediatric dentist by searching on Healthgrades. We recommend looking for a doctor that has been certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
You must be logged in to post a comment.