WHY CHOOSE A PEDIATRIC DENTIST? GLENDALE
The Experts in Growing Smiles
Many people don’t consider just how different smiles that are still developing are from those that are fully grown. However, there are a number of unique developmental oral health concerns that can arise that warrant the need for a sub-specialty of dentists, called pediatric dentists. These are experts in the field of growing smiles, specializing in the dental treatment of infants, children, and teens. Read on to learn more about pediatric dentists and what exactly makes them so different.
What are the Benefits of Taking My Child to a Pediatric Dentist?
Because pediatric dentists attend an additional two-year residency following dental school, they have unique hands-on experience and knowledge on oral and facial anatomical development. In addition to having a kid-centered practice with a team that solely works with children, pediatric dentists provide a number of non- and minimally-invasive treatments and are focused on educating their young patients to build healthy dental habits. As a result, they’re the best people to bring your child to for their dental needs because they’re all about kids!
What Ages Do Pediatric Dentists Treat?
Pediatric dentists treat more than just toddlers! They see children as young as infancy, all the way up to 18 years old. This is because the oral and facial structure typically stops developing around 18, allowing kids to benefit just as much from seeing a general dentist at this age.
Dentistry for Infants
Our team at Shine Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry of Glendale, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends bringing children in for their first dental appointment either by the time their first tooth grows in, or whenever they turn one year old, whichever comes first! Many parents wonder why it’s necessary to bring their babies in so early, and the answer is because their smile is just starting to develop! These routine lap exams and early cleanings will help them get used to visiting the dentist and make sure that their primary teeth are growing in correctly.
Dentistry for Toddlers
As your child learns to toddle around the house, their oral development will also take off! By this age, most of their baby teeth will have erupted and they’ll begin forming different habits that can impact their oral health, like thumb and pacifier-sucking. With the guidance of a pediatric dentist, you’ll be able to effortlessly navigate these changes and enjoy them to their fullest knowing that your favorite smile is healthy.
Dentistry for Children
As your child starts school and begins losing their baby teeth, the oversight of a pediatric dentist to make sure that all of their permanent teeth are growing in properly can give you extra peace of mind. This is also the age when your child will need to start developing their own at-home oral hygiene routine and transition towards brushing and flossing on their own, which a pediatric dentist can help with!
Dentistry for Teens
Even though your teen may feel like a little grown-up, it’s not quite time for them to flee the coop of their pediatric dentist because their jawbone and oral structures are still growing. In fact, this is the perfect time for them to receive an orthodontic evaluation, and if necessary, braces! It’s also likely that they’ll need a few fillings along the way to treat pesky cavities.
Special Needs Children
Pediatric dentists are also the perfect place for children with special needs. In fact, at Shine Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry of Glendale, we have four private suites for a quieter, less stimulating experience, and our team has a gentle, kind touch. We’re also happy to accommodate your child’s unique needs to make sure they have a positive experience every time they see us.
