Pediatric dentists are graduate dentists who have undergone additional years of specialist training to deal with the dental needs of children and teens. Many people are first introduced to a pediatric dentist by their pediatrician, suggesting that they should have their child’s first dental examination at about one year of age. A pediatric dentist in Jacksonville will then often stay with the patient right through adolescence and into their early 20s.
Dentists who choose to work with youngsters need to undergo specialist training to be able to accurately diagnose and treat diseases and conditions that have an effect on the mouth, gums and teeth of children. These dental specialists have a genuine love for their young patients, they have a wonderful demeanor and they exercise all the patience in the world when dealing them. They know that a visit to the dentist can be a frightening experience if not handled properly.
There are many reasons why parents choose to take their children to a pediatric dentist in the Jacksonville area. These dental specialists know the best way to explain the importance of oral hygiene to children and they have unique “chair-side manners” when it comes to regular checkups, cleanings and treatment. The dentist will perform a routine cleaning, all the while reinforcing the message that brushing and flossing on a regular basis is extremely important. As well as giving instructions, the dentist can advise the child on the frequency of cleaning and suggest the best toothbrush to use.
The pediatric dentist is dealing with the child’s primary teeth, the first set they get. It is equally important that the adult teeth that are in the process of maturing under the gum are also investigated. X-Rays are used to allow the dentist to get a good idea of what lies below the surface. There is always the possibility that the teeth are malformed or crooked and that orthodontic care may be needed in the future.
Even though the child still has their primary teeth, proper dental care is extremely important. There are parents who are not overly concerned if their child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, they are of the opinion that the tooth is going to fall out anyway. This thinking is wrong; the importance of primary teeth cannot be overemphasized. The first teeth are important for proper nutrition and speech and they guide the permanent teeth into their proper place. The pediatric dentist in Jacksonville is just as concerned about treating decay in a youngster as he or she is about treating decay in an older child who already has adult teeth.
