Who are pediatric dentists?
Pediatric dentists are dental doctors who prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions of the teeth, gums, jaws, and mouth in children from infancy through their teenage years. They are experts at understanding how the various parts of the mouth develop as children grow up. They are also known as pedodontists.
Primary teeth, known as milk teeth, emerge sometime during the first six months of life. These teeth fall out and are all replaced by secondary (permanent) or adult teeth around when the child turns six or seven. Even though primary teeth eventually fall out, lack of proper care leads to decay in these teeth. Decay in milk teeth causes a lot of pain and discomfort in kids, making them scared and anxious about dental care in the future. Furthermore, caries in primary teeth can spread to the permanent teeth buds that haven't yet erupted, causing the permanent teeth to become defective and weak.
What do pediatric dentists do?
Pediatric dentists receive extensive training to meet all the requirements of comprehensive dental care in children. In addition to conducting regular oral health checkups, they clean the teeth and provide sealants and fluoride treatments. Pedodontists also educate the parents of infants on harmful habits such as thumb sucking and using pacifiers and ways to get their kids to quit them.
Pedodontists diagnose and treat early childhood caries, defects in the teeth's formation, and gum diseases in children and teenagers. They also diagnose any irregularities in teeth and jaws and make timely referrals to orthodontists (specialists in correcting teeth and jaw alignments). They have deep knowledge about the effects of diabetes, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), congenital heart defects, asthma, and hay fever on oral health, and thus help in the early detection and prevention of complications. Additionally, pediatric dentists are experts at caring for dental injuries such as fractured, knocked-up, and displaced teeth.
Educational background of pediatric dentists in the U.S.
To become a practicing pediatric dentist in the U.S., one must first complete the following requirements -
- Four years of bachelor's degree
- Four years of dental school
- Clear the dental certification examinations for the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree
- Two years of residency in pediatric dentistry, which includes training in diagnosing and treating oral issues in infants, children, teens
- Obtain a board certification from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA), which certifies pediatric dentists in the U.S.
Oral healthcare services offered by a pediatric dentist
Pediatric dentists provide a range of comprehensive oral health care services, including:
- Infant oral health exams, assessing cavity risks for both mother and child
- Preventive dental care, encompassing cleaning, fluoride treatments, and dietary guidance
- Guidance on habits like pacifier use and thumb-sucking
- Early assessment and orthodontic treatment
- Repairing cavities and defects
- Managing gum diseases and related conditions
- Diagnosing oral conditions linked to illnesses like diabetes, congenital heart defects, and ADHD
- Providing care for dental injuries
When is the right time for my child’s first dental visit?
Your child should have their first visit to a pediatric dentist either when they turn one or when they get their first tooth — whichever happens first. While it may seem early, this visit concerns more than checking baby teeth. Pediatric dentists also examine your child’s jaw, facial bones, and developing teeth that haven’t yet emerged. Early dental visits can identify any issues in the mouth or jaw structure before they become more serious. Some baby teeth can remain until age 12 or 13, making early and regular dental care crucial for long-term oral health.
What are the signs of teething in babies, and how can you comfort them?
One of the first signs that your baby is teething is increased drooling and red, swollen, and tender gums. Other common teething symptoms include fussiness, irritability, trouble sleeping, reduced appetite, and a tendency to bite or chew on objects. Some babies may experience a slight rise in body temperature, but a true fever — over 100.4°F (38°C) — is not caused by teething. If your baby has a high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash, it’s essential to contact their healthcare provider, as these are likely signs of another illness.
To ease your baby’s discomfort during teething, gently massage their gums using a clean finger, a cool spoon, a damp gauze pad, or a soft washcloth. You can also give them a solid rubber teething toy to chew on. Avoid liquid-filled or plastic teethers that could break, and steer clear of frozen teethers, which are too complex and may hurt your baby’s mouth.
It’s also important to be aware of safety warnings. Due to choking and strangulation risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises not using teething necklaces or bracelets made from amber, silicone, marble, or wood. Additionally, avoid using over-the-counter gels or creams that contain benzocaine and homeopathic remedies, as these may pose health risks to your baby.
Dental caries in kids and ways to prevent them
Decay in teeth, also known as cavities or dental caries, is the most prevalent ailment among children in the U.S. When primary or newly erupted permanent teeth decay, it can hinder the growth and development of kids, such as speaking, eating, learning, and playing. One of the chief reasons for the high prevalence of caries in children in the U.S. is the sugary diet and soft drinks containing soda, which provide a conducive environment for cavities to develop. Other common risk factors for developing decay include using orthodontic or other dental appliances that prevent thorough cleaning of the teeth and mouth, parents having increased dental issues, and children with special health care needs.
Various techniques can be learned and practiced at home to slow the progression of dental caries. The first step in maintaining healthy oral hygiene is brushing your teeth -- do this at least twice daily using a pea-sized fluoridated toothpaste. Guide your kids in never swallowing the toothpaste; immediately spit it out. Dentists also advise rinsing the mouth after every snack to keep the teeth's surfaces from developing plaque. Even for infants who drink breastfed or bottle-fed milk, dentists recommend cleaning the surfaces of the gums after every feed. The fluoride in the drinking water (0.7 ml per liter is the recommended fluoride level in drinking water) plays a very important role in preventing caries.
Besides these home remedies, the most scientifically proven method of reducing the occurrence of caries in children is the application of dental sealants to teeth with deep fissures.
What are dental sealants, and how do they prevent caries in children?
Thin protective coats painted on the chewing surface of the teeth at the back (which include the molars) are known as dental sealants. These teeth usually contain deep pits and fissures, causing them to become the breeding grounds for oral germs and the development of decay. Applying dental sealants prevents 80% of dental caries for two years and 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
In the U.S., several healthcare professionals trained in dentistry are qualified to apply dental sealants on kids, such as dentists specializing in all fields of dentistry and dental hygienists. Pediatric dentists can perform sealant applications in dental clinics, hospitals, schools, and community centers with the help of portable dental equipment.
What should you expect during your first visit to a pediatric dentist near you?
A visit to the dentist can be quite distinct for children compared to adults. Children may not always be able to sit still and cooperate during a dental examination or teeth cleaning. Pediatric dentists are experts in understanding these unique challenges. They try to make dental treatments as comfortable as possible for young patients. Pediatric dental offices are well-equipped with machines and decorations that are appealing and welcoming to children.
The initial visit typically spans from 30 to 45 minutes, with the nature of the examination and treatment varying based on the child's age.
During a routine oral health examination with a kid's dentist, expect the following:
- The dentist will note and discuss your child's oral health and brushing and flossing habits.
- They will also assess the growth of your child's teeth, gums, jaws, bite, and the overall condition of oral tissues.
- Teeth polishing and cleaning to eliminate any plaque, tartar, or stains.
It's important to note that pediatric dentists generally avoid X-rays for baby teeth unless there is tooth decay or a need to inspect the root of a baby tooth. Dentists only prescribe X-rays for young children when there is a medical necessity. The emphasis is on ensuring the child's safety and minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
How can parents and caregivers maintain their child's oral health at home?
Without the necessary dental care during childhood, a child may face early tooth decay ​and gum disease. Poor oral health can impact a child’s overall learning abilities and performance at school. If left untreated for long periods, decayed teeth can result in infection and pain, which can cause difficulties in chewing. Tooth decay may also lead to early tooth loss, which ultimately results in impaired speech development and reduces a child's self-esteem.
Consistent dental care and visiting a pediatric dentist in your area for routine checkups can help maintain your child's oral hygiene and prevent oral diseases. Here are ways parents or caregivers can improve their child's dental hygiene at home-
- For infants or babies, parents can wipe their gums with a soft cleaning cloth twice a day after feeding and just before going to bed to wipe away sugars and bacteria that can cause cavities.
- If your baby is teething, try gently rubbing the gums using your clean finger or giving them a clean and cold object like a teething ring to chew on.
- Avoid giving sugary drinks or honey to babies before the age of one. Stick to breastmilk or formula. For toddlers and older kids, ensure they eat a balanced diet that includes one serving of bread or cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk or other dairy products, and meat or eggs.
- For children aged three and older, parents should begin using a small amount of toothpaste and help them brush their teeth twice daily.
- Try to make brushing teeth and flossing fun for your kids. Let them to select their own toothbrush and toothpaste color, flavor, and style, and reward them with simple things that motivate them, like participating in their favorite activities or playtime. You may also play music they like to engage them and help them look forward to brushing their teeth.
- Talk with your pediatric dentist about putting a coat of fluoride (varnish) on your child's first tooth after it appears.
- If your child wants to start a sport or is training to be an athlete, ensure they wear a soft plastic mouthguard to protect their teeth, lips, and cheeks from injuries. You may also ask your pediatric dentist to design a custom-fitted mouthguard which can protect your child from severe head injuries.
Find the best pediatric dentists near you in Brooklyn, New York
Pediatric dentists take care of all dental needs in children from the time they are born till they become adults. Thus, a qualified and experienced pediatric dentist capable of handling challenges is imperative. The meticulously researched and designed Zocdoc database can simplify this process.
Go to the Zocdoc website and enter your details, such as why you want to see a pediatric dentist (symptoms and issues) and your preferred location for the dental office to be situated. By entering the address for your current location, Zocdoc helps you find a pedodontist close to your home or office. Other details include your zip code, preferred location, and existing dental insurance.
When you enter your details, the platform will search its database and present you with the best-curated results for your requirements. To help you make a confident decision, Zocdoc includes the unique profiles of all pediatric dentists listed on the website. Each profile contains all the vital information you need to know your dentist better, such as years of training, fellowships, certifications, affiliations, accreditation, specialty, years of work experience, and any awards received in the past. The profile also lists the places, days, and times the pediatric dentists offer their services, the age group of children, the conditions they specialize in, and the languages they comfortably speak. You can make both in-person and virtual appointments using Zocdoc.
Additionally, Zocdoc allows you to check if the pediatric dentist of your choice accepts your dental insurance for payments. Once you choose your current dental insurance from the drop-down menu on the website, it will immediately tell you which pediatric dentist near you is in-network. If you have multiple insurance plans, you may add all of them (medical, dental, and vision) to your Zocdoc account.
In the last step of the booking process, mention your secondary carrier and plan for the provider in your notes. If your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you may add your secondary insurance plan while completing your forms online. Note that while you can add your insurance plans to your account, you can search for and book an appointment with only one insurance plan at a time. For more insurance-related information, check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
With Zocdoc, you can book appointments before, during, and after office hours, depending on the pedodontist's availability. If the pedodontist's schedule permits, you can also book appointments on weekends and holidays.
Booking appointments with pediatric dentists on Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure!
Pediatric oral health statistics in New York and the U.S.
In the U.S., over half of children between 6 and 19 years old are affected by tooth decay, with over one-third of third-graders in New York having untreated dental decay. According to the National Library of Medicine, between 2019 and 2020, there was a significant decline in the prevalence of past-year medical visits (from 87.2% to 81.3%) and dental visits (from 82.6% to 78.2%) among U.S. children aged 1 to 17 years.
Sources
WebMD
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
ScienceDirect
Healthychildren.org
MouthHealthy
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Nationwide Children's Hospital
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry[2]
NYC Health
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
National Library of Medicine
