Pediatric Dentists Near Me in Mount Pleasant, SC (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a dentist and a pediatric dentist? ›

The main difference between the two is that a pediatric dentist specializes in dentistry for children and a general dentist does not. Like orthodontists or periodontists, pediatric dentists have special training and education that make them more qualified to work with kids than other dental professionals may be.

The typical pediatric dentist treats patients ranging in age from around six months to a year old all the way up to late teens and early twenties, but they may also treat adults with special needs or even parents of child patients, in some cases.

Specialized Training and Expertise

The specialized training and skills required for pediatric dentistry contribute to the higher costs associated with their services.

In general, kids should visit the dentist at least once every 6 months. This allows for regular dental care to be performed by the pediatric dentist, including a dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and x-ray.

Establishing a child's dental routine at an early age lays the groundwork for their future oral health. Even though your child's baby teeth will eventually fall out, they serve a vital function in guiding the permanent teeth into the proper position.

You should see a dentist for your entire life. Even elderly people with dentures still visit the dentist to check for gum disease and ensure their oral hygiene is in good shape.

The Ideal Age for Transition

Dental development – The stage of your child's dental development plays a crucial role in determining when they are ready for a general dentist. Most children have their permanent teeth by the age of 12 or 13, which is often a good time to make the transition.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend children start seeing the dentist as soon as they have teeth, or no later than 1 year of age. Like visits to the pediatrician, these visits are 80% talking and 20% examining the child.

The next part involves the cleaning itself, in which the dentist uses an electric spinning tooth polisher to clean the teeth using a fun flavored toothpaste. They will also check for any hardened plaque (also known as tartar) and remove it with another curved tool to prevent tooth decay from tartar build-up.

Why is dental care so unaffordable? ›

About 35% of your fees go towards something that is extremely undervalued: the dentist's skills, knowledge, and time. Dentists undergo many years of college, dental school, and expensive specialized training.

Though it may seem early, this visit is essential to ensure your child doesn't have any signs of gum or tooth decay and that their teeth are erupting and developing properly. Baby teeth can begin emerging as early as six months, so make sure their dental appointment isn't far behind!

Without preventive care, dental issues can progress to more advanced stages, leading to more complex and costly treatments. Additionally, neglecting dental care can result in poor oral hygiene, which can lead to a host of issues. Poor oral hygiene can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, and even tooth loss.

As soon as the first tooth appears (usually at around 6 months of age) brush gently with a soft children's toothbrush and water. You could also use a soft wet cloth to wipe over teeth and gums. Clean all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day: in the morning and before bed at night.

About half of all American children do not receive regular dental care due to certain SDoH. Children from vulnerable populations have less access to oral health care and generally experience more dental caries.

Pediatric dentistry (formerly pedodontics in American English or paedodontics in Commonwealth English) is the branch of dentistry dealing with children from birth through adolescence.

It is important to assess the pediatric patient's behavior throughout a dental appointment to determine the child's cooperation and comfort level, tailor the approach to meet their needs, and ensure effective treatment.