PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Pediatric dentistry focuses on a child’s oral health from birth to adolescence. Pediatric dentists are trained to educate parents and children on dental health. Pediatric dentists strive to provide children with a positive experience at the dentist’s office to lessen any dental fear and promote a positive outlook on the dental office.
Pediatric dentists from early on highlight the importance of the oral maintenance of baby teeth with parents. Dentists educate the parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and good oral hygiene. Routine dental visits help the dentist monitor the child’s oral growth. Dentists can help educate parents on the negative effects of thumb-sucking and pacifiers. In some cases, dentists may recommend early oral treatments or reconstructive surgery to avoid further dental damage.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
The health of baby teeth is extremely important to future oral health. Healthy baby teeth help babies chew properly and create space for adult teeth. Baby teeth are at risk of tooth decay as soon as the tooth emerges from the gums around six months. Baby teeth can get cavities which is coined as baby bottle tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay refers to tooth decay in the front teeth or upper jaw. Severe tooth decay may result in tooth removal.
Baby bottle tooth decay can start from bacteria being transmitted from the parents through saliva. Tooth decay can also stem from exposure to sweetened liquids such as breast milk, formula, and sweetened water. Parents should visit Valley Alder Family Dentistry to learn more about how to avoid baby bottle tooth decay with routine check-ups and educational visits.
