Your family is busy. You have sports practices and games, music lessons, playdates, appointments, and more going on. When it comes to your child’s smile, you figure at-home care is sufficient for now. However, when you look closely at what pediatric dentistry has to offer and its history, you’ll quickly see why you should take your favorite, growing smile to this specialist on a regular basis.
Important Statistics about Children’s Dental Health
Did you know that dental cavities are the most common health issue for children? They are 5 times more prevalent than asthma, and about 20 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated cavity. Needless to say, children need extra support in their dental health!
Why Pediatric Dentistry Exists
Before the 1900s, not much thought had gone into dentistry specifically for kids. In 1913, Minnie Evangeline Jordon, a dental assistant, opened the first dental practice just for children in Los Angeles. Later in the 1940s, while the specialty of pediatric dentistry was officially recognized by the American Dental Association, roughly half of the country’s children visited the dentist on an annual basis. By the time the 1990s rolled around, regular, six-month visits became the modern standard for children over one year old, and oral health habits and comprehensive care starting at an even younger age were strongly recommended.
Although dentistry has made significant strides forward over the past century, the development and progression of the pediatric specialty has played an important role in increasing oral health for the general public. When children are exposed to positive dental experiences early on, they are more likely to continue seeing a dentist into adulthood. They are also more likely to implement healthy routines into their lifestyle, helping them keep their smiles healthy in the long term.
Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
In terms of oral health, a child is not just a small adult. Nowadays, a pediatric dentist offers many advantages for children that you won’t necessarily find at a normal family practice, including the following:
- Specialized training (two to three years in addition to dental school) in children’s oral health issues
- Guidance for teething, losing teeth, and other stages of development for your child
- Expertise and patience in working with young, wiggly children
- Experience helping patients with special physical, mental, or sensory needs.
- Fun atmosphere where lifelong healthy habits are taught in easy-to-understand ways
In the end, although life is busy, taking your child to a pediatric dentist is worth the trip. By helping them learn how to care for their smile early on in a positive, friendly environment, you can reinforce the importance of a strong, healthy smile!
About the Practice
Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen is proud to have two highly qualified, board-certified pediatric dentists on staff. Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo have different backgrounds, but they share a passion for caring for growing smiles. As fathers, they understand parents’ concerns and have each patient’s unique needs and best interest at heart. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Justin or Dr. Sage, you can contact Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen online or by calling 469-663-0098.