Pediatric Dentist in Yukon, OK

When it's time for your child's first dental visit it's important to find a pediatric dentist you can trust. In Yukon, Oklahoma, your number one choice for pediatric dentistry is Rosewood Dental of Yukon. Our caring dental professionals are pediatric experts who can make your child's first dental fist calm, inviting, and educational.

Pediatric dentistry (formerly Pedodontics/Paedodontics) primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence.  The American Dental Association (ADA), recognizes pediatric dentistry as a specialty, and therefore requires dentists to undertake two or three years of additional training after completing a general dentistry degree.  At the end of this training, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry issues a unique diploma (Diplomate ABPD).  Some pediatric dentists (pedodontists) opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs, specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.

One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology.  Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.”  Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a specially trained dentist who provides care for children from infancy through adolescence. They see for everything from routine dental checkups and cleanings to to treatment of dental and oral health concerns. Pediatric dentists can monitor children as they grow and build relationships with them. A pediatric dentist can make a dental visit become an appointment your child looks forward to. They're trained to treat children with a wide range of medical conditions and special needs.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Pediatric dentists fulfill many important functions pertaining to the child’s overall oral health and hygiene.  They place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Other important functions include:

Education – Pediatric dentists educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy.  In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, pediatric dentists are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen.  Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.

Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay.  In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, pediatric dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb- sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.

Intervention – In some cases, pediatric dentists may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents.  In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please contact our office.

What to expect during your first visit

It's recommended that infants have their first dental health visit before their first birthdays. During a first visit, the dentist will meet the child and their family. They'll talk with the child's parents or caregivers to learn about any important health history or family health history that might impact dental development. Caregivers will have questionnaires to fill out during this first visit. 

The dentist will also examine the child's teeth and gums. Parents will be in the room and in sight of their child while this occurs. A large portion of the first visit will focus on teaching parents how to care for their child's teeth and help their child develop healthy oral habits. Parents will learn about the best diet, brush, flossing, cup, and other choices for the child. Recommendations will be made based on the dentist's exam of the child and on the child's age. 

Pediatric dental services

Pediatric dental care provides a range of services for children and their caregivers. Services include:

• Dental cleanings

• Cavity prevention

• Dental hygiene teaching and lessons

• Assessment of tooth growth and development

• Braces assessment

• Treatment and prevention of nighttime teeth grinding

• Fillings

Early Dental Care

There are many dental milestones in your child's life. It's important to have a relationship with a dentist in place so that you have somewhere to turn for these early dental care needs. This might include:

• Teething— Teething can be painful for infants and lead to crying and refusal to eat. A pediatric dentist can help you find ways to manage teeth. They can also examine your child's gums to ensure teeth are growing correctly.

• New Teeth— A pediatric dentist can look at new teeth as they come in. They can make sure teeth are not growing in a way that is crooked or crowded in your child's mouth. 

• Preventing Tooth Decay— Regular dental cleanings are an important part of preventing tooth decay at every age. Dental cleanings remove plaque and build up that at-home brushing and flossing can't. They prevent cavities, decay, and gum disease. That's why everyone, from infancy to late in life, needs regular dental cleanings. 

FAQ

• At what age should a child begin seeing a pediatric dentist?

Children should visit the dentist for the first time within their first year of life. 

• What do pediatric dentists do?

Pediatric dentists are trained to care for the oral health needs of children. They have additional training that enables them to provide dental care to children starting in infancy.

• How do you brush a baby's teeth?

You should start  brushing your child's teeth as soon as teeth poke through the gums. You can begin by gently rubbing their teeth with a wet washcloth or gauze pad after meals. You can purchase a baby toothbrush or finger brushes to brush your child's teeth as they continue to grow. It's important to always be gentle and use a wet brush or cloth. Your pediatric dentist can help you pick a toothbrush.

• What toothpaste do you use for babies?

You can use a small amount of any fluoride toothpaste for your baby. 

• How can I protect my baby’s teeth from cavities?

You can brush your child's teeth with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth appears. Limiting high-sugar baby foods and meals can also help protect your baby's teeth. 

Related Procedures