What is a Pediatric Dentist (Pedodontist)?
In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child’s medical needs, our Pediatric Dentists at Summit Dental Center are uniquely qualified to protect your child’s oral health, using the most advanced techniques and equipment.
Our Pediatric Dentist at Summit Dental Center locations has an additional two to three years of training at university pediatric facilities in addition to four year of dental school and four years of college study. Some of our pediatric dentists practiced general dentistry before specializing, giving them a unique perspective. They learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. Some are also trained and qualified to treat special needs patients. > See locations
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
Our friendly staff is often asked this question by our parents. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the toy store. With today’s modern advancements in Dentistry the experiences aren’t the same frightening, long, awkward and sometimes painful experience you may recall from your youth. If you yourself are nervous about the trip, then keep in mind the less you say the better. You can’t hide your anxiety from children, they have radar for these things. Feel relaxed and comfortable with our inviting clean and upscale environment. We have decorated play rooms with large flat screen T.V’s showing cartoons and kids movies all day, state-of-the-art equipment, T.V’s, hardwood floors, and a warm, clean, modern, environment with comfortable chairs for our patient to enjoy. We also have books to read to your child and a friendly staff to help you with any concerns or needs you have before, during, or after your visit. We’ve also find reading books about dentistry help you to educate yourself and you’re your child on what to expect from the first visit. Have fun with your child and encourage play behaviors that mimic a dental visit, your child being the dentist and then the patient. Talk about how the dentist or assistant will help keep your child’s teeth healthy and how they care about children. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
What dental problems could my child have?
Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is in early childhood tooth care, serious dental problems in children are caused by a child staying on the bottle, breastfeeding or even drinking from a sippee cup too long. Cavities developing between the teeth are very common and are not visible without dental x-rays in their early stages of decay. By the time a child has mouth pain associated with these types of cavities, the teeth require more extensive treatment or even removal. Another problem our Pediatric Dentist see’s is gum disease. About 40% of children two to three years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits such as thumb-sucking should also be checked. Other oral diseases such as canker sores can be treated before they become advanced and cause unnecessary pain for your child. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your Child’s mouth develop properly, chew food easily, speak clearly and feel good about their appearance and especially their smile.
What about preventative care for your child?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At Summit Dental Center locations we are most concerned with all aspects of your children’s preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways our Summit Pediatric Dentist will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health. Continual preventive care is up to you, by bringing your child in early it sets the foundation including regular check-ups and cleanings with oral hygiene instruction. The timing of these depends on your child’s specific needs, our dentists recommended every six months.
Infant Oral Health Care
Now known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC), infant tooth decay results when babies fall asleep with breast milk or milk, formula and juice from a bottle on their teeth. Babies are not able to clear the pooling liquid from their mouths. Unfortunately, sugar in most formula, milk or juice stays in contact with the teeth generally for a long time during the night or at naptime, the teeth can decay quickly. What causes the tooth decay? Several specific types of bacteria that live on the teeth cause decay. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria use the sugar and then manufacture acids that dissolve the teeth and cause an infection in the tooth. This infection is called decay. Pediatric Dentists at Summit Dental are skilled at helping you and your child resolve this and other ECC infant needs
Why are the baby teeth so important?
Primary teeth in babies are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development and add to their precious appearance. We find a child who can chew easily, speak clearly and smile confidently is a happier child! Healthy primary teeth in children allow normal development of the jawbones and muscles, saving space for the permanent teeth and help to guide them into place. Often when baby teeth are lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause mouth pain, abscesses, infections, and can lead to bigger problems spreading to the permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren’t treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age ten to fourteen, so they must last for years. Protecting your child’s teeth is what our Pediatric Dentists do best!
Dentistry for Special Needs Patients
Find our Pediatric Dentist Office in Houston or surrounding areas
We have 6 convenient locations to better assist you. Please visit our locations page to find the one nearest you.
