Did you know…
Kids don’t have the dexterity to brush their own teeth well until they can tie their own shoes.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry is an age defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventative and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through the teenage years, including those with special health care needs.
The pediatric dentist is required to complete additional specialty training following dental school. They undergo extra training in growth and development, facial injuries, restorative, orthodontic and preventive care, hospital dentistry, child psychology as well as behavior management.
Drs. Horne and Miner recommend parents refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear such as needle, drill, pull or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message but are pleasant and non-threatening to children.
First Dental Visit
Pediatric dentists, similar to pediatricians, monitor growth and development from infancy through the teenage years. This begins with your child’s first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommend that the child’s first dental visit occur by your child’s first birthday. This early visit enables us to evaluate potential problems related to your child’s oral health as well as introduce you and your child to proper oral hygiene and dietary practices.