Pediatric and Family Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry and Family Dentistry
Pediatric Dentists, or Pedodontics, are specifically trained to provide dental care for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. In addition to successfully completing dental school requirements for their doctorate of dentistry, they are also required to attend an additional two to three years of child-specific training. A lot of this additional training is in child psychology, which enables a pediatric dentist to connect with your child in an effective, gentle, and non-threatening manner.
Pediatric dentists are dedicated to the oral health of your child from infancy through the teen years. They have the experience and qualifications to care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood.
Children begin to get their baby teeth during the first six months of life. By the age of six or seven years, they begin to lose their first set of teeth, which eventually are replaced by their secondary, permanent teeth. Without consistent proper dental care, children face possible oral decay and disease that can cause extended pain and complications. Early childhood dental caries, an infectious disease, is five times more common in children than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.
The entire staff at Smile Time Kids LOVES children. We want to help you in making well-informed decisions for your child’s health and well-being. We enjoy their budding personalities and their constant search for answers. We are a compassionate, caring, and patient team when working with your child. Their young smiles are important to us. Call us today at 765-373-3100 with any questions you have regarding your child or stop by Smile Time Kids at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN, 47374.
Pediatric Dentists — The Best Care for Your Child
Your child is not just a small adult. They are not always able to sit still, be patient and cooperative during a dental exam. Smile Time Kids know how to examine and treat children in ways that make them comfortable. In addition, we use specially designed equipment in our office that are arranged and decorated with children in mind.
We offer a wide range of treatment options, as well as expertise and training to care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. When your pediatrician suggests that your child receive a dental exam, you can be assured that Smile Time Kids will provide the best possible care.
Education
The Logic Behind Early Dental Appointments
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends your child visit a pediatric dentist at around age one, or at about six months after the emergence of their first tooth. This may seem early however, there are many valid reasons to follow the advice:
- To discuss/ask questions about eating habits (nursing, bottle feeding, supplements, etc.).
- To begin to establish positive experiences with the dentist.
- To learn best practices for establishing a positive home oral care regimen.
- To determine if your child will be at risk for developing any cavities.
- To discuss/learn strategies to eliminate unwanted oral habits (such as finger-sucking).
- To receive preventative treatments such as fluorides and sealants.
- To assess the development of the child’s teeth and jaws.
In addition to the specialized oral health care your child will receive from Smile Time Kids, we also make it a fun place to visit. Our dental office is decorated in child-friendly themes with toys and other fun-filled ways to entertain youngsters in the waiting and exam rooms. All of this is purposeful with the intent to positively relate with children.
What Types of Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?
Pediatric dentists such as Smile Time Kids provide comprehensive oral health care that includes the following:
- Infant oral health exams, which will include risk assessment for caries in both you and your child.
- Preventative dental care which includes cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations.
- Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics).
- Repair of tooth cavities or defects.
- Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.
- Habit counseling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking).
- Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth).
- Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenula, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease.
Make an Appointment for Your Child Today!
Smile Time Kids would like to share the recommendations of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. They suggest bringing your child in for their first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth erupts or by the time your child is one, whichever occurs first. We will work with your child and treat them like family. We love happy and healthy children. Afterwards, children should visit at normal intervals just like you would schedule your own dental checkups. Call 765-373-3100 today to make an appointment with Smile Time Kids. Our office is located at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN 47374. Let us keep your child healthy together, early, and often.