Good oral health starts shortly after your baby starts to showcase his or her first tooth. It's important to make semi-annual trips to the dentist to make sure that teeth are forming correctly and that there are no underlying problems. While many dentists take patients of all ages, you may feel more comfortable having your little one visit a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist or pedodontist at a clinic like http://www.childrensdent.com deals directly with children from birth to adolescence. Here are a few reasons why you may want to choose a dentist specializing in pedodontics as opposed to a family dentist.  

Exam

A pedodontist has additional hours of study to be accredited to specialize in certain areas of pediatric dentistry. While their focus is generally on the clinical aspect of dentistry, they also learn about child behavior and psychological aspects of the young mind. Many children are scared of going to the dentist. It can be hard for the dentist to perform a routine exam if the child is thrashing or hesitant about sitting back in the dental chair. A pediatric dentist is trained and equipped to deal with small children as well as small mouths. Each exam room is designed with a child or small person in mind. A dental office that creates a child-like ambiance for patients can help set a little one's mind at ease.  

Dental Sealants

Preventing cavities and gum disease is something every dental office promotes. Dentists specializing in children's oral health care are educated and trained in offering dental sealants to their patients. A dental sealant is a type of protective material that is applied to the premolars and molars. Sealants offer an additional way to ward off bacteria from reaching into the grooves of the teeth. This is one way your child can prevent tooth decay.

Braces

An orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in the shape and structure of the mouth and jaw. Many pediatric dental clinics refer patients to an orthodontist for further treatment. If misalignment of the teeth or jaw is visible through an x-ray, an orthodontist may recommend braces or surgery to realign the bite and allow the bones and teeth to form together properly.

Broken Teeth

If your child has been struck by a hard object resulting from an accident or injury, his teeth may be affected. If a tooth has been knocked out, it's important not to ignore the issue. Children's dental care specialists will be able to evaluate the damaged tooth and come up with a course of treatment. This may include emergency dental care, porcelain veneers or resurfacing areas of missing enamel.

Minor Surgery

Many pediatric dentists will perform minor surgical procedures in their office. This could be an extraction of a baby tooth or removing and repairing areas of severe decay. For serious issues, a referral to a maxillofacial surgeon may be recommended.

Teeth are an important component to appearance and lifestyle function. Teaching your child good oral healthy habits early on starts with a trip to the dentist.