There are many types of dentists, and each specializes in a specific field. Dentists specializing in the oral health of children, are called pediatric dentists or also known as pediatric dentistry (หมอฟันเด็ก, term in Thai). This dentist works with children until such time as they reach adolescence. What sets pediatric dentists apart from the rest is that they do not only practice dentistry, but they also educate the patients and their parents. After graduating from dentistry, they undergo extensive training to further strengthen their knowledge and skills in handling pediatric patients. They also undergo child psychology training so they can effectively connect with their patients.
Services offered by a pediatric dentist
There are various services a pediatric dentist offers. These are the following:
· Regular checkups
A child’s oral health can affect not only the appearance and function of their teeth, but also their overall well-being. As a parent, you need to make sure your child visits the dentist regularly for routine checkups. A significant part of routine checkups is to conduct professional cleaning to thoroughly get rid of tartar and plaques, the ones that are not thoroughly removed by regular brushing. During routine checkups, the dentist will also check the gums to detect problems before they get worse.
· Dental x-rays
It is recommended for parents to have their children undergo dental x-ray at least once a year to check the underneath surface of the teeth and gums. By doing so, problems like cavities that are not visible to the naked eye can be detected. It will also reveal the eruption of permanent teeth, and problems with alignment, and check the presence of impacted teeth. By knowing these things, problems can be addressed before they get bigger.
· Dental sealants
Sealants are thin coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of the teeth. It is done to prevent the formation of cavities. What sealants do is harden the chewing surface of the teeth. It is so effective that it can prevent up to 80{b767fb5f393d6fe980c9f180d35f032806d728a9f84a32377b33da65991589c0} of cavities. It is a simple procedure and would only take a few minutes to complete
· Dental fillings
Cavities and tooth decay are common in children, especially in children between 5 and 11 years old. If these problems are left untreated, they can lead to discomfort and illness. The best approach is to fill the cavity to restore the normal functions of the teeth.
· Fluoride treatment
Fluoride varnish is another procedure commonly performed by a pediatric dentist. It is applied to every tooth in a quick and simple manner. Fluoride has the ability to re-mineralize the tooth’s enamel and strengthen it so as to avoid the buildup of plaque and bacteria.
The services offered by a pediatric dentist are almost the same as those of a regular dentist. However, what sets pediatric dentists apart from the rest is that they are trained to handle children. They know what children’s oral health needs are, and they also know how to ease anxiety and fear in children during their dental visits.