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Health & Wellness > Why
Does My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
Why Does My Child Need To See A Pediatric Dentist?
By Dr. Sandy Worman
Almost every day, I get asked the same question: Why does my child need to see a
pediatric specialist instead of visiting a regular dentist?” As a working mom of
three daughters, I can appreciate the special concerns and worries that all
parents share about their children’s health. When seeking care for my own
children, I want to feel comfortable that the professional seeing my kids
understands their perspectives and needs.
Pediatric dentists are trained to address the unique physiologic, emotional, and
social needs of their young patients. Whereas most dentists are able to practice
adult dentistry immediately after four years of dental school, pediatric
dentists complete two to three more years of advanced training. This extra
clinical education prepares them for the special medical issues of infants,
children, adolescents, including those with extraordinary needs.
My education as a pediatric dentist focused specifically on the medical and
dental health aspects of children. While most general dentists treat a broad
range of dental issues, a pediatric specialist acts as a “pediatrician” in
charge of oral health. Early dental problems, including baby bottle tooth decay,
pacifier use, and routine care of an infant’s teeth are all commonly handled in
the pediatric dental practice. We also follow children from a very early age
through their adolescence and are able to closely monitor their growth and
development over time. This facilitates early recognition and referral of
problems such as the need for orthodontic evaluation.
As many as 75% of all adults experience some degree of dental fear. 5-10% suffer
from a more extreme version known as dental phobia, a fear so strong that they
avoid dental care at all costs. Early childhood visits to an office specializing
in pediatric dentistry dramatically decreases this fear later in life by
establishing a positive and enjoyable dental experience from start. This is
achieved in many ways and begins the moment a family walks into a pediatric
dental office. These first impressions set the tone for how the child feels and
acts at the dentist. Offices are designed with children in mind, frequently
incorporating a special childlike theme throughout the building. Having the
first dental visit in a friendly and nonthreatening environment develops trust
and confidence in dental care and this hopefully carries over into adulthood.
Additionally, preventative care is much more easily fostered in these friendly
surroundings. Children feel good about their teeth and want to protect their
dental identities. Once inside the pediatric-themed office, the child’s positive
experience is reinforced by toys, puzzles, coloring books, video games, overhead
televisions, reward stickers, and treasure boxes. A nurturing environment is
supported by playful office staff trained to work with children and who (more
importantly) wish to work solely with young patients. Our staff enjoys
interacting through games and role-playing playing, all along teaching kids the
valuable health lesson of taking responsibility for caring for one’s teeth. The
positive attitude in the office spreads from patient to patient, and with no
other adults being treated (as in a regular dental office), the child begins to
feel that the pediatric office is a kid-safe zone.
For the nervous child in whom behavioral techniques and simple reassurance are
not enough to allay their fears, most pediatric offices have nitrous oxide or
”laughing gas”. This medicine does not place children under general (asleep)
anesthesia but rather in a mild and safe state of sedation. Once relaxed, dental
treatments can easily proceed in a more pleasant manner. For the rare child in
whom nitrous oxide is not a good option, a pediatric dentist with hospital
privileges can perform the required work in the operating room, under the
watchful eye of a pediatric anesthesiologist. This provides a very safe and
controlled environment in which to treat the most anxious and medically
compromised child.
Obviously, good oral health is an important part of total health when treating
children and our good working relationships with other pediatric health
professionals is very useful. We often work with pediatricians, other
physicians, and dental specialists to design a specifically tailored treatment
plan that is ideal for your child.
Not every health care professional is well suited or has the education to care
for children. It takes a special amount of patience, compassion, and skill to
handle a child expressing natural fears related to new experiences, unfamiliar
environments, parental separation, anxiety, or pain. None of us take our
children to an internal medicine doctor for their check-ups and sick visits, so
why would an adult dentist suffice when it comes to something as important as
our kids’ smiles and oral health? Pediatric dentists, most of whom are parents
as well, have dedicated their careers to caring for your children in a warm,
nurturing, and safe place.
Dr. Sandy Worman is happy to address your concerns about your children’s dental
well-being and can be reached at the office at 727-321-8450 or via email at swe@tampabay.rr.com. |
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