Who is a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty focusing on the primary and comprehensive treatment of oral health issues in children from infancy through adolescence. It includes caring for children with special health care needs. Pediatric dentists (pedodontists) diagnose, treat, and prevent mouth diseases, including those affecting the oral cavity, teeth, and gums. They treat dental issues which may develop as the body grows.
Some typical duties of pediatric dentists include routine conducting dental exams, teeth straightening treatments, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, administering general anesthesia before surgery, performing procedures such as root canal treatments, repairing injured, fractured, or displaced teeth, and removing cavities.
Besides providing patient care, pediatric dentists conduct research and teach in various clinical and institutional settings, including private practices and public health institutions. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including lab technicians, hygienists, dental assistants, and members of social disciplines, to benefit children.
Education and training
Becoming a pediatric dentist entails extensive education and clinical training. Aspiring dentists must first earn a bachelor's degree before entering dental school, where they work towards becoming either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Success in dental school is followed by passing rigorous certification exams to obtain a dental license.
Graduates then enter residency programs, where they can specialize in areas such as:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Preventative Care
- Prosthetics
- Oral Surgery
- Restorative Dentistry
Upon completing their residency, candidates must pass additional exams to gain board certification from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). This certification is recognized across all 50 states.
Differences between children's and adults' dental needs
Due to the continual development of their mouths and jaws, children have different dental demands than adults. Pediatric dentists must consider how dental issues and treatments will impact the growth of a child's teeth and jaw. For example, they evaluate whether a dental spacer is necessary after extracting a baby tooth to ensure the proper alignment of the incoming permanent tooth. They also determine the optimal timing for removing a supernumerary tooth to promote normal development of the surrounding teeth.
A pediatric dentist near you might evaluate whether bite abnormalities could eventually result in more serious issues like tooth loss or jaw disorders. Their specialized training allows them to intervene early, using treatments suitable for a child's developmental stage to prevent more serious issues later.
Additionally, the structure of primary ("baby") teeth differs from that of permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists possess extensive knowledge of the anatomy of baby teeth and are skilled in procedures specific to them or immature permanent teeth. For instance, they perform pediatric pulp therapy (commonly known as a "baby root canal"), which is used exclusively on primary or permanent teeth with underdeveloped roots.
Furthermore, some dental problems are unique to or predominantly found in children.
Examples include natal teeth (teeth present at birth) that may need specialized care, tongue-tie in infants that can cause nursing difficulties, and early childhood caries, a particularly aggressive form of tooth decay in children under six that rapidly leads to severe complications if not treated promptly. Any pediatric dentist near you would be skilled in recognizing and successfully resolving these particular problems.
What conditions do pediatric dentists treat?
Pediatric dentists treat most oral health issues and dental problems associated with underlying health conditions such as diabetes​, congenital heart defects, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD​).
Additionally, children are susceptible to injuries and are prone to being rushed to a doctor in a panic. To keep such situations stress-free, being aware of the doctors around you may be helpful. Thus, try to know what conditions a kid's dentist near you can treat so you can handle emergencies calmly while ensuring the best healthcare for your child. Here are some common reasons to see a pediatric dentist:
- Tooth injuries: Falls or injuries during sports activities can cause the teeth to become displaced, fractured, or even wholly detached in some cases. If there is pain or the injured area is bleeding, ensure you comfort your child, place a tiny piece of folded gauze at the injury site, have them bite down or hold it with firm pressure, and check for any chipped or cracked tooth embedded in the gums or tongue. Applying cold compression with ice can help reduce swelling and pain in such cases.
- Tooth decay: Cavities in the mouth result from plaque that eats away at the hard surface of the teeth (enamel), causing holes in the teeth. Common signs of tooth decay in a child include brown or dark brown cavities on the surface of the teeth that may deepen, formation of white spots, pain in one or more teeth, and tooth sensitivity to cold or hot foods. A pediatric dentist may place a filling made out of silver, fine glass powders, or acrylic acids to restore the cavity directly.
- Gingivitis: It is a mild or early form of periodontal or gum disease caused by poor dental hygiene. It leads to plaque build-up (sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris) on the teeth. Gingivitis leads to inflammation and infection of the gums, bone, and periodontal ligaments. In children, it may be present as red, sore, or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, and bad breath that won't go away.
- Malocclusion (misaligned jaw): In a standard jaw, the upper teeth typically fit slightly over the lower teeth, i.e., the points of molars include the opposite molar grooves. But this changed in malocclusion, which may occur due to childhood habits like thumb-sucking, using a pacifier beyond the age of three, abnormally shaped teeth, injury, or even tumors of the mouth and jaw. It causes an underbite, overbite, or even crowding of the teeth. Treatment of a malocclusion involves surgery, braces or aligners, or removal of teeth if required.
How can cavities be prevented in children?
While going to a dentist is imperative to maintaining oral health, teaching good oral hygiene habits to children at a formative age can prevent many dental issues, including tooth decay, cavities, oral cancer, and gum disease. Here are some ways you can help your child prevent cavities:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing: The American Dental Association advises individuals of every age group to brush at least twice daily. Regular flossing is also necessary to remove any food stuck between the teeth that may cause cavities. Buying toothbrushes for children and getting them to use their own from a young age can help them learn how to brush their teeth properly.
- Reducing the consumption of acidic and sugar-rich foods: Acidic and sugary foods, like soda and sweet beverages (tea and coffee), can cause the enamel to erode over time, creating cavities, causing staining or yellowing, and ultimately leading to tooth decay. Raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables may help freshen your breath and clean plaque build-up. Parents may also give their children alternatives, such as fruits, berries, yogurt, bananas, and dry fruits, instead of sweets and candies.
- Using fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening or remineralizing the tooth enamel and decreasing the amount of acid produced by bacteria in the mouth daily. Regular use of this toothpaste can also make it harder for mouth acids to penetrate the enamel. Systemic fluoride, which is swallowable, may be available in your drinking water. Research indicates that those who drink fluoridated water are less likely to develop oral cavities in the future.
Standard procedures performed by pediatric dentists
Pediatric dentists are essential in supporting and maintaining our children's oral health by performing various procedures. Whether a child needs preventative care or therapeutic solutions, these dentists possess the knowledge and tools to help keep children's teeth and gums in optimal condition. Before visiting a kid's dentist near you, learning about their expertise and specialized procedures may be beneficial. This information will help you understand how a pediatric dentist can help your child.
Visits to the doctor can be very anxiety-inducing for kids, and being aware of the various procedures can help you prepare your child for the appointment, too.
Some of the standard procedures performed by pediatric dentists include:
- Dental cleaning usually involves pediatric dentists scraping the teeth to remove plaque build-up and using an ultrasonic dental tool to clean each tooth. The dentists follow this up with flossing and polishing.
- Fluoride treatment includes painting fluoride onto the teeth, which can be a gel, foam, or varnish. Thus, it is also not inconvenient or uncomfortable for children. The fluoride coating remains on the teeth for about five to six hours, strengthening the tooth surface and preventing tooth decay.
- Sealants are a prevalent dental procedure among children. Since children cannot brush properly, sealants help cover the fissures and pits in their teeth, which are the most susceptible to decay. Food gets stuck and becomes hard to clean, so covering teeth with sealants helps avoid cavities. This procedure can be especially beneficial for protecting the children's permanent molars.
- Placing bondings is common among kids to get their teeth chipped due to injuries. Bondings are white fillings placed on the tooth to make it look whole again. This alternative is typically less expensive than veneers or other dental cosmetic treatments. Bonding usually takes just one appointment with the dentist and thus is very convenient for kids, too.
Preparing your child for a positive dental experience
It's entirely normal for children to feel anxious or nervous about going to the dentist. Many young patients experience fear or uncertainty before their first visit. Here are some effective tips to help make the experience smoother and more comforting for both you and your child:
Take a pre-visit tour:
Familiarity can go a long way in reducing dental anxiety. It is advised to bring children for a short pre-visit. It allows your child to explore the office, meet the friendly staff, and see that it's a warm and welcoming place. You can also bring your child along with you to your dental appointment. Watching a parent interact comfortably with the dentist can help reassure them and show that there's nothing to fear.
Use positive language:
Your attitude sets the tone. Stay cheerful and calm when discussing the dentist with your child. Speak about the appointment as an exciting and essential step in their growth. Avoid making jokes or comments that paint the dentist in a negative or scary light. Children are highly perceptive and may pick up on any nervousness you express—even unintentionally.
Introduce the idea through books and videos:
Many children's books and shows portray dental visits positively and engagingly. Reading stories together about dental checkups can help visitors feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed.
Practice positive reinforcement:
Encourage your child with words of praise and support. Let them know they are brave and that attending the dentist is a big step. After the appointment, encourage them by celebrating their courage and acknowledging their success.
Bring a comfort item:
A favorite stuffed toy can comfort your child during the visit. Dentists can even use the toy to demonstrate what will happen during the appointment. Seeing the process of something familiar can help your child feel more secure and in control.
How to find top-rated pediatric dentists near you in New York, NY?
The American Dental Association recommends taking your child to a dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in and no later than their first birthday to allow the dentist to check for tooth decay, developmental issues, and habits like thumb-sucking. Visiting a good kid's dentist near you is essential, as exposure to positive dentist experiences profoundly impacts a child's life. It will help instill oral hygiene habits that ensure optimum dental health throughout their lives. Moreover, adolescents and teenagers must also undergo regular checkups at least once or twice a year.
Finding a qualified and friendly pediatric dentist for your child can be challenging and time-consuming. However, Zocdoc makes finding a healthcare professional near you easier and quicker. It takes a few minutes and a couple of easy steps to find a dentist in New York, NY, and book an online or in-person appointment right from the comfort of your home.
To book a consultation, visit the Zocdoc website and enter your child's symptoms or condition, location, insurance plan, and the date you wish to see a pediatric dentist near you. Click "find" and browse the list of top-rated providers matching the parameters you entered. You can also select providers based on gender, hospital affiliation, languages spoken, office location, distance, wait time, and insurance plans accepted.
When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you must either provide your insurance details or indicate that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Some providers require insurance information for appointment bookings. If you prefer not to use or do not have insurance, you can search for another provider on Zocdoc who accepts out-of-pocket payments. For further queries, you can contact the help center for better understanding.
To help you further, you can read about their credentials and medical background, including clinical experience, specialties, reasons patients see them, and any certifications, awards, or licensures earned. Zocdoc also provides honest and verified patient reviews on each profile to help you understand other patients' experiences with that provider.
All bookings on Zocdoc are easy, safe, and free!
Pediatric oral health statistics for New York
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS), an estimated 71.7% of New York State residents received fluoridated water from the Community Water Systems (CWS) in 2022. Fluoridation began in New York City in 1966. The city adds fluoride that infuses the water supply containing approximately 0.8 mg/L of fluoride ions, per Article 141.05 of the New York City Health Code.
Consuming sugary snacks and drinks is a significant risk factor for tooth decay and oral disease. Approximately 44% of NYC children aged 6-12 are at heightened risk for oral health problems because they consume one or more sugary drinks daily. According to a New York State Department of Health report (2016), about 22% of New York youth consume at least one sugary drink daily. As a result, nearly 59% of New Yorkers favored permanently removing vending machines that sell sugary drinks in public schools.
Sources
WebMD
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry[1]
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry[2]
MedlinePlus[1]
MedlinePlus[2]
Healthline
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Stanford Medicine Children's Health
KidsHealth
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Government of New York City
New York State Department of Health
Dentiland
Little Smiles of Delaware
Cleveland Clinic
Pediatric Dentistry
Hurst Pediatric Dentistry
Park Avenue Dental
