Pediatric Dentistry – Important tips you need to know

Every parent knows that the oral health of their child is a crucial part in their overall health. Although, maybe you have not visited a dentist with your child, yet. However, you might still be unclear about some of the essential concerns about pediatric dentistry.

For this reason, we have decided to write this article to provide you with more information as well as inform you about the most basic things you should know about pediatric dentistry as well as the best manner to prepare for a visit. Keep reading and find out what you should know for a pediatric dentist in Tirana, Albania.

What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric Dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry which focuses on the treatment of children. It includes a pediatric dentist who is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy to adolescence. The pediatric dentist, who is also known as the periodontist, is the part of dentists who is dedicated to this field and the additional training needed in order to provide primary and comprehensive care must be completed to children and adolescents.

• Pediatric dentistry involves the care of the child’s gums, teeth and mouth at various stages of childhood.
• Children erupt their new teeth in the first 6 months of life and at 6-7 years begin to lose the first set of teeth, which are eventually replaced by secondary or permanent teeth.

As a consequence of different eating habits and lack of oral hygiene, a child experiences oral caries that can cause pain, discomfort and complications throughout his life, something that pediatric dentistry takes care of.

A General Dentist is not the Same with a Pediatric Dentist

You still do not know the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general or else called a “family” dentist? It is simple to understand the difference between those two. A pediatric dentist is specialized in the treatment of a child’s dental issues, while on the contrary a family and general dentist treat patients of all ages. 

Pediatric Dentistry is different from dental medicine or dental surgery. A pediatric dentist completes 2 – 3 years of degree while a general dentist completes 4 years of degree. The extensive schooling gives the opportunity to the pediatric dentist to gain further knowledge in oral development, child specific oral surgeries, orthodontics for children, psychology as well as mental development.

Kids Get All of their Baby Teeth by the Age of 2 – 3 and Lose them by the Age of 12 – 13

The first tooth of your child will come out before their first birthday. Although, by the age of 2 or 3, your child will develop all of their 20 baby teeth. As a result, your child will be able to eat as well as chew as an adult.

However, this will not last for a long period of time and this happens because children commonly start losing their front teeth at the age of about 5 or 6. As a baby tooth falls out, it is replaced with an adult tooth. In the end, the rear molars are the last baby teeth that are replaced. Usually, rear molars do not fall out until your child arrives at the age of about 12 or 13.

Your Child Must Start Visiting the Pediatric Dentist Earlier Than You Might Think

You might think that your child must see a pediatric dentist only by the time that they get all of their teeth out or are experiencing any discomfort in their mouth. However, we recommend you to start visiting a dentist much earlier than this period. 

What do we mean when we say much earlier? It is suggested to bring your child to the dentist when the child’s first tooth erupts or if a tooth has not erupted yet, when your child turns one year old. Whichever happens first, that time is recommended to visit a pediatric dentist.

By the time you visit a dentist in one of those situations your child will be more familiar with the process of visiting a dentist and at the same time you will identify early any potential oral health or development issues that are detected to your child.

Establishing a Dental Clinic is Crucial for the Dental Health of your Child

An established pediatric clinic is where you can take your child trustfully and get any general or preventive dental care treatment until your child grows and ages.

The establishment of a pediatric dental clinic has numerous benefits for your child. In the first place, your child will be able to develop a reliable relationship with the staff and dentists and this means that they will feel more comfortable and safer during their dental procedures.

For what is more, the pediatric dentist will follow the child’s dental health more efficiently as well as deliver customized dental care treatments that will prevent any future issues and provide them a strong and healthy smile. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to save time and money, since you will prevent any usual dental health conditions, such as: tooth decay, with a routine visit to a pediatric dentist.

A Child Must Get an Orthodontic Consultation by the Age of 7

It might seem an early age to have an orthodontic consultation but it is a great idea to visit a pediatric dentist in Albania in order to complete an orthodontic evaluation of your child by the age of 7. This is commonly the age that a child will start losing the baby teeth and start feeling the presence of adult teeth.

If the general or pediatric dentist becomes aware of a possible condition with your child’s bite or smile prematurely, they will suggest suitable steps and tips which will assist in the improvement of the child’s oral development as well as minimize the needs of completing an additional dental or orthodontic treatment in the new future. 

How to Prepare your Child for the First Visit with a Pediatric Dentist?

Before you make your first visit to the pediatric or general dentist, prepare your child with simple words and without much details. You can tell your child that the dentist will measure the teeth and see if they are clean enough. 

Avoid any further expressions such as “do not be afraid” or “it will not hurt”, because it only causes concern for your kid. It would help a lot to read fairy tales and books about the dentist before the visit.  

Are you in Need of a Dentist in Albania to Take Care of Your Child’s Issues? We are here for you!

Our dental clinic provides caring, gentle, experience and professional pediatric treatments in Tirana, Albania. If you need to ask any questions or schedule an appointment with our staff, contact us via our phone number or email.