WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says, “Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry.” “Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and unique needs of your children. After completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two to three additional years of rigorous training is required to become a pediatric dentist. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs of your infants, children and adolescents, including persons with special health care needs.”

The professionals of Pima Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. are concerned about your child’s total health care. Good oral health is an important part of total health. Establishing us as your child’s, “Dental Home” provides us the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental/oral disease. We focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances in dentistry for children.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

A pediatric dentist is a special person who has not only completed a basic 3-4 year program in dentistry, but has completed an additional 2 years of specialized training concentrating on the specialized needs and treatment of infants, children, teenagers and those with special needs. Unlike general or family dentists who might treat some children, the pediatric dentist is trained to treat all types of children in all types of circumstances. Treatment of children requires attention to the individualized requirements of the growing child. The pediatric dentist is the only dentist specially trained to handle those specialized requirements.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

Dental caries (cavities) may be the most prevalent infectious disease in our children. Almost 70% of American children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten age. In order to reduce the incidence of cavities and to set your children towards a lifetime of optimal oral health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that a child’s first visit to the dentist should be within 6 months after the first tooth erupts or by 1 year of age, whichever comes first. This office supports the recommendations of both of these organizations and we look forward to evaluating your child by their first birthday. Early and regular preventive care will help protect your child’s smile.

WHY SO EARLY?

Dental caries is an infectious disease that spreads from tooth to tooth. Regular and early dental visits allow your child to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early but most dental problems can be prevented or corrected with early intervention. Of prime concern to the pediatric dentist is Early Childhood Caries (nursing bottle caries). A child risks severe decay from using a bottle or sippy cup during naps, at night, or when continuously breast-feeding. Earlier dental visits improve the chances of preventing dental problems. Your child’s primary teeth (baby) serve many important functions including allowing for proper speech and mastication (chewing), and holding space for permanent teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

Sew a Lost Tooth Pillow

 

 

Print and Color "First Lost Tooth" Certificate

 

 

Print and Color
"Another Lost Tooth" Certificate