Children who learn proper dental care at a young age are more likely to maintain excellent oral health habits throughout their lives. Scheduling regular exams for your child will foster these habits. However, instead of taking them to the dentist you use, consider a pediatric dentist. Dentistry for children varies from adult dentistry in several ways and requires specialized training and insight.

5 Ways Dentistry for Children Differs From Dental Care for Adults

Focus on Prevention

Pediatric dentistry centers on prevention. When dentists can diagnose and correct habits like thumb-sucking or excessive sugar consumption early in life, it limits the need for more invasive procedures in the future.

Ability to Deal With Changing Dental Structures

Dental care experts note the prepubescent and teenage years are a time of significant change in a child’s oral structures — it’s when they lose the last of their baby teeth and permanent teeth begin to appear. Someone who specializes in dentistry for children understands how to monitor the growth and angle of teeth and determine whether orthodontic treatment is needed.

Emphasis on Trauma Dentistry

Children are more likely to experience oral trauma than adults, so pediatric dentists spend extra time learning how to repair and restore damaged teeth. Children’s dentists also have knowledge of protective measures such as custom-made mouthguards for use during contact sports.

Understanding of Young Patients

Anyone who has soothed an anxious baby or child during a dental procedure understands how difficult it can be. Children are easily scared by the noises and tools in a dentist’s office and might develop a lifelong aversion to teeth and gum care if the experience is unpleasant. A dentist who has experience working with children knows how to distract them and help them relax.

Management of Other Conditions

Pediatric dentists understand how to help young patients who are dealing with common childhood conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, and asthma. They will provide proper dental care without aggravating health issues.

If you are on Maui or Oahu and need an oral health care provider who specializes in dentistry for children, turn to Pedodontic Associates. Their team of dentists for babies, children, and teenagers has been providing exceptional care to Hawaii residents for over 25 years. To schedule an appointment, call their Kahului office at (808) 877-0066, their Honolulu location at (808) 735-1733, or their Aiea office at (808) 487-7933. Visit their website to learn more about what to expect from your child’s first visit.