Pediatric dentists play a vital role in your child’s overall health care. Pediatric dentists focus on helping your child enjoy good oral health. According to the NIH, it is estimated that 51 million educational hours are lost from dental illness. Connecting early on with a pediatric dentist can ensure that your child does not miss out on education.
What Pediatric Dentists Look for at Every Age
Early Stages of Development
The best time to take your child to see a pediatric dentist is around the age of one. By one year of age, your child’s primary teeth will be emerging. As your child’s teeth erupt, the pediatric dentist will evaluate the placement and health of the teeth.
Between the ages of one and three, the dentist is most concerned with the health of the teeth, and that they are coming in without a problem. Early interventions during this stage can help to keep your child on track with good oral health.
Three Years of Age To Seven
By the age of three your child should have a full mouth, of primary teeth. In some cases, primary teeth may fall out too soon or never come in. The dentist will keep an eye on the condition and make recommendations for treatment.
Around six years of age, your child will likely lose their first tooth. It is also the age when they will likely have their first x-ray at the dentist’s office. The dentist will monitor your child to ensure that the secondary teeth are in the right position and ready to come in.
Seven Years to Ten Years
During these years of your child’s dental development, your dentist may recommend an orthodontic visit. If your child seems to have an overbite, underbite, or other notable placement problem, your pediatric dentist will recommend an orthodontist. Children should see an orthodontist around the age of seven.
Continued monitoring of tooth and gum health will be a priority. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride treatment, sealants, and other preventives to help keep your child cavity-free.
Ten Years Through the Teenage Years
Pediatric dentists see children up to the age of eighteen. From about ten years old on, the dentist will be focused on education, preventives, and treatments to help give your child the best opportunity for exceptional oral health.