Pediatric dentistry (formerly Pedodontics) primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence. One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology. Smile Design Dental Group is proud of creating a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoiding threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.
We fulfill many important functions pertaining to the child’s overall oral health and hygiene and place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.
Education – We educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology; thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.
Monitoring growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, we are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.
Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay. In addition to providing checkups and dental cleanings, we are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb-sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.
Intervention – In some cases, we may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents. Also, space maintainers may be fitted to make sure the permanent adult teeth have enough space to erupt.
