Many parents come in to our Elmhurst dentist office with questions for our dental team about pediatric dentistry. Today we’re answering common questions about dental care for children—I hope that after reading this article you’ll feel better informed and more confident about pediatric dentistry!
Q: How old are pediatric dentistry patients?
A: Pediatric dentistry is designed for children who have not yet developed permanent adult teeth—generally children under the age of 12 fit into this category. When a person begins receiving dentistry as a child, he or she will easily transition into adult dentistry as their adult teeth begin to emerge.
Q: What kind of services do children receive from a pediatric dentist?
A: Pediatric dentistry includes preventative dentistry services like dental cleanings and fluoride treatments if necessary. We also perform restorative dentistry—so if your child suffers from dental cavities or gum disease, we will help them regain dental health before their permanent teeth emerge. Another important aspect of pediatric dentistry is dental education—our dental team will help your child learn to clean his or her teeth effectively and develop good dental habits.
Q: How do I know if my child needs a pediatric dentist?
A: All children should see a dentist regularly to preserve optimal dental health. The American Dental Academy states that a child should start seeing a dentist by the age of one. Preventative and restorative dental care help children stay healthy and maintain strong smiles through adulthood.
If you have more questions about dentistry for children, please don’t hesitate to give us a call right away. Our dental team takes special care to walk children through dental care and help them feel at ease and at home in the dentist’s chair. Schedule a dental consultation with our Elmhurst family dentists to learn more and get started today!