The Importance of Pediatric Dental Care

Plantation Dental SSI is proud to provide dental care for families, including younger children. We strive to use this as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of pediatric dental care and explain the crucial role dental health plays in the lives of our children. 

Why is Pediatric Dental Care Important?

Check out these 8 key reasons why pediatric dental health care is important for your children and their overall well-being. 

Preventing Tooth Decay 

Pediatric dental care focuses on preventative measures, such as regular, biannual check-ups, cleaning and fluoride treatments, and more. These practices aim to prevent tooth decay and have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay. Furthermore, catching cavities and other anomalies early can prevent the bacteria and infections from impacting other teeth. Additionally, the earlier we catch these issues, the better, as preventative dental care not only prevents tooth decay, but also prevents more extensive and costly dental treatments later on.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, and other gum disease is common in children and can be attributed to many causes. Poor oral hygiene is at the root of these causes. However, research suggests that kids whose diets lack vitamin C are also at a higher risk for gum diseases. Pediatric dental care is essential for emphasizing proper oral hygiene practices and receiving regular professional cleanings to help mitigate such challenges.  

Preventing Orthodontic Problems 

Regular dental check-ups also allow our team to monitor the development of not only children’s teeth, but also their jaws and more specifically, their bites. Identifying and addressing orthodontic issues early-on can also help prevent or mitigate the need for major orthodontic treatments later in life.

Speech Development 

On that note, healthy teeth, gums, and jaws are crucial for speech development in children. Dental issues, such as misalignment or missing teeth, can impact speech patterns and pronunciation. Pediatric dental care can help increase awareness of and address these concerns early-on.

Understanding Nutritional Choices 

Oral health can often be a good indicator of overall health. Pediatric dental care can offer insight into nutritional choices, in efforts to support optimal oral health. Furthermore, interactions with our friendly team can help parents learn more about the types of foods and nutrients that are beneficial, as well as foods and drinks that are better to avoid.

Establishing Healthy Habits 

Visits to the dentist may be scary for some kids at first. However, Dr. Hopkins and his team are very patient and friendly, and hope to make them feel as comfortable as possible. As children get more comfortable with visiting the dentist, this allows them to establish healthy habits. They will start to learn how to brush and floss, as well as how to incorporate oral hygiene maintenance into their daily routine. These habits are important to create now, and will benefit them for the rest of their lives. 

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem 

A beautiful, healthy smile can make a big difference in children’s overall confidence and self-esteem. This happens because preventing dental issues and addressing concerns early on can alleviate pain and also help children feel comfortable with their unique appearance and unique smiles. Hence, pediatric dental care can heighten personal mental and emotional well-being as well as foster positive social interactions.

Customizing Care for Children

Finally, family dentist offices like Plantation Dental SSI understand that each child is unique and has unique needs. An emphasis on this uniqueness allows the team to prioritize personal needs and customize care for each child as much as possible. This is beneficial, so your children can have the best pediatric dental care experience possible!

Schedule your kids’ appointments today!

If you’re looking for a trusted general dentist near you in St. Simons Island, look no further than Plantation Dental SSI. Dr. Hopkins and his team of dental professionals are dedicated to providing you and your family with the best dental care possible in a friendly and comfortable environment. Call us today to learn more about our family and general dental services: (912) 638-9001