A Pediatric Dentist Supports Learning and Mental Health for Students

Table of Contents

• Key Points
• What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
• When Should Kids See a Pediatric Dentist?
• Is Pediatric Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
• What to Look for in a Children’s Dentist
• Will a Dentist for Kids Cost More Money?
• Find a Pediatric Dentist Near You
• References

Key Points

While there has been a steady increase in overall dental health in the American population since the 1970s, there are some indications of setbacks. A recent survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that the percentage of children who have had a dental examination or cleaning in the previous year may be decreasing in some populations, including those from lower-income families.¹ And approximately 25 percent of all children have some form of tooth decay.

These statistics are alarming, given that dental health is especially important to children. Untreated dental problems can lead to myriad health issues, including pain or difficulty eating and sleeping. It also can be linked to social and emotional issues, as well as challenges in school.

Regular cleanings and checkups are the best means of combatting dental and related issues. They also help catch minor problems before they turn into major ones. Most importantly, a pediatric dentist can help improve the overall health of children, including better learning and diminished mental health impacts.

For these reasons, many parents prioritize finding a solid pediatric dentist for their children. Depending on where you live, there may be a lot of options to consider when doing so. The good news is that, once you know what qualities to look for, you can be certain you are getting the best care for your child.

This article covers what attributes to seek out in a pediatric dentist in Upstate SC or the surrounding areas, and how doing so can help support learning and the mental health of your child.

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist — often referred to as a pedodontist — is a general dentist who has undergone additional training for treating children. While they may also accept adult patients, a pediatric dentist possesses specific knowledge to treat the oral health of children, usually from infancy through the early teenage years or into adulthood.²

A pediatric dentist will have a unique understanding of childhood development and behaviors, and how those impact oral health. They will also understand how children’s dental needs change as they grow into early adulthood.

Pediatric dentists focus on the particular dental issues that can develop in the teeth, gums, and jaws of adolescents. Common ones include:

• Tooth decay and cavities
• Malocclusion (crooked teeth)
• Tooth damage (from decay or injury)
• Emergency dental issues

Pediatric dentists provide a wide range of treatments to younger patients. Typical ones include:

• Oral health exams
• Preventative dental care
• Cleanings
• Fluoride treatment
• Diagnosis of malocclusion and improper bite

It is also common for pediatric dentists to discuss diet with children, including how things like sugary, carbonated, or acidic foods can impact their teeth and gum health. In adolescents, pediatric dentists may discuss cosmetic issues that could be impacting their sense of self-worth or social interactions (more on that below).

When Should Kids See a Pediatric Dentist?

A child should start seeing a dentist within six months of when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Teeth usually start coming in within the first six months of life, but it can be later for some children.

Initial visits to a pediatric dentist will likely be brief. They will entail an examination of the child’s teeth, jaws, gums, and surrounding tissues. The doctor will also likely take a look at their bite.

The visit could involve some mild cleaning to remove plaque or tarter. Pediatric dentists usually do not do X-rays on baby teeth, unless there is some need to examine their roots due to existing issues.

Another reason to see a dedicated pediatric dentist is if a child (of any age) is experiencing particular issues. These include:

• Gaps in teeth
• Overbites
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Receding gumlines
• Stains on teeth

A pediatric dentist also will be able to diagnose oral conditions associated with other diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, attention deficiency/hyperactivity disorder, and congenital heart defects. They can offer solutions that are appropriate to the problem but also age-appropriate. A good dentist will understand that a child is growing and developing, which presents distinct challenges (versus treating an adult patient).

Is Pediatric Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?

Many of the issues that fall into the category of “cosmetic” may actually have corresponding health challenges. For instance, crooked teeth can be unsightly, but they can also cause difficulty chewing and eating, speech problems, jaw pain, and other issues. Likewise, gaps in teeth may be unsightly but are often an indication that the child’s permanent teeth have plenty of room to grow in.

Most pediatric dentists will treat conditions that are purely “cosmetic.” That is because, as mentioned, these issues can have far-reaching impacts on a child’s emotional and mental well-being.

For instance, dental bonding can fill minor cracks or chips in teeth. Pediatric dentists can use “flippers” as temporary replacements for missing teeth.

Dentists may also put in veneers or perform teeth whitening on children, especially those will severe stains or damage. The course of treatment is usually determined by the age of the child and whether it involves primary or permanent teeth.

What to Look for in a Children’s Dentist

There are several primary qualities to look for in a pediatric dentist. Here are the main ones to consider.

Training and Experience

The most important thing to look for in a pediatric dentist is suitable training and extensive experience in treating children. Ensure they attended an accredited dental school. Look for membership in national organizations, such as the auspicious American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).³

Ask how long the pediatric dentist has worked with children or youth. Read online reviews for other patients’ experiences regarding the doctor’s knowledge and “bedside manner.”

Services Offered

Most pediatric dentists are equipped to provide general dentistry services to pediatric patients. These include things like twice-yearly oral exams and cleanings. It can be helpful to confirm the services the clinic offers beyond these basic ones.

While tooth decay in children has declined dramatically over the last few decades, it is still prevalent. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 46 percent of all children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 years have either untreated tooth decay (including cavities), or have had restorative work done on their teeth.⁴

It is vital to find a pediatric dentist who can identify, remove, and fill cavities, as well as address other symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. For instance, sealants over the back teeth are a recommended treatment for preventing cavities.

If your child suffers from severe dental anxiety, you also might check to see if the dentist offers sedation or other solutions. While reserved for more extreme cases, this option can help children stay calm and safe, and ensure the dentist can properly conduct exams or treatments.

Finally, check to see what the office’s policies are on urgent care. Having access to an emergency dentist can be crucial in a crisis.

Inviting Office Environment

A pediatric dentist will have an office environment that is warm and inviting to children. They might have a play area along with games or reading materials geared toward children.

Most importantly, the environment will be conducive to helping children learn proper oral hygiene practices for when they leave the office. There may be dolls or stuffed animals that can be used to demonstrate things like property brushing techniques or educational materials for parents. The office likely will have some type of reward for visiting children.

Accepted Insurance

If you have dental insurance, look for an in-network provider. If a prospective dentist’s office is out-of-network, find out their prices for particular services, so that you can better anticipate out-of-pocket costs.

Will a Dentist for Kids Cost More Money?

While a pediatric dentist may charge more for specialty services, in most instances their fee structures are very similar to those of regular dentists.

If you do not have dental insurance, there could be other payment options available. Some offices offer in-house dental savings programs that require a modest monthly fee in exchange for basic treatments, such as cleanings, exams, and even X-rays. These can help budget for routine check-ups and even save money on additional needed treatments.

Find a Pediatric Dentist Near You

Finding a good pediatric dentist is an important part of maintaining your child’s oral and general health. It can promote a healthy sense of self-worth and ensure they can focus in school. A positive experience at the dentist also can translate to a positive outlook on dental health for their entire lives.

iGrin is a dedicated pediatric dental practice located in Boiling Springs, SC. We believe that the best way to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile is through preventative dental work, and that starts with education. In addition to providing comprehensive dental services, our staff works to help pediatric patients develop good dental hygiene at a young age, which will impact all areas of their lives, including mental and general health. Contact us today to set up an appointment, or:

• Call us at: 864-606-0006
• Email us at: boilingsprings@igrin.com

We’re conveniently located on Old Furnace Rd. in Boiling Springs, SC. Fortunately, that means those in Spartanburg, Greer, Gaffney, Taylors, Wade Hampton, Mauldin, SC, and Simpsonville can also benefit from our pediatric dentistry services.

References

1. Dzifa Adjaye-Gbewonyo, Ph.D., and Lindsey I. Black, M.P.H., Dental Care Utilization Among Children Aged 1-17 Years: United States, 2019 and 2020, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Data Brief No. 424, December 2021, retrieved October 22, 2024, from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db424.htm.
2. What Is a Pediatric Dentist? WebMD, March 2023, retrieved October 22, 2024, from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-pediatric-dentist.
3. Who Is AAPD? American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, retrieved October 22, 2024, from: https://www.aapd.org/about/about-aapd/who-is-aapd/.
4. Oral and Dental Health, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2024, retrieved October 22, 2024, from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm.