As a parent, all you want is to protect your child and instill healthy habits that continue to serve them throughout their lives. Pediatric dentistry is a great option to help your little one maintain excellent oral health for years to come. Well, did you know this dental specialty didn’t become relevant until the early 1900s? Since then, it has evolved to be more beneficial for your child’s teeth and gums. Read on as a pediatric dentist in Flower Mound shares everything you should know about this crucial branch of dentistry.
What Does It Mean to Be a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist helps children from infancy to teen years achieve and maintain good oral health. They have the experience, skills, and qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout various stages of development. Even before your little one’s first tooth erupts, they’re at risk for tooth decay and other oral health problems. With proper dental care, your child can keep a healthy smile and avoid a lifetime of pain and complications.
Pediatric Dentistry: The Timeline
Although the history of dentistry is traced back to 5000 B.C., pediatric dentistry didn’t emerge until the 1900s. Here’s a look at the progression of this facet of dentistry.
Early Years
In the 19th century, very few dentists had practices devoted to children. Most solely focused on correcting oral health issues as they occurred rather than introducing preventive habits to kids. But in 1913, Alfred C. Jones began a program that brought dental care to public schools. Women cleaned children’s teeth, which started the rise of pediatric dentistry. A dental assistant named Minnie Evangeline Jordon decided to create her own dental practice just for kids in her area. It was the very first of its kind!
Modern Pediatric Dentistry
By the late 1900s, a national report was released that detailed the importance of children’s oral health in correlation with their overall health. The concept of creating comprehensive oral healthcare for children starting before they are a year old was then pushed through by the American Dental Association (ADA). Now, pediatric services are offered to anyone 19 and younger through various insurance plans, making it a crucial health benefit for Americans. As a result, dental care is now readily available and more affordable for children and their families.
Why Your Child Should See a Pediatric Dentist
It’s no secret that children aren’t always (if ever) patient and cooperative during a dental exam. Luckily, pediatric dentists are more than capable of examining and treating children in ways that make them comfortable. They use specially designed equipment in their offices that are arranged and decorated with kids in mind. By visiting a specialist, you can have peace of mind knowing your child is receiving the best dental care possible!
It’s never too early to start caring for your child’s teeth. Thanks to pediatric dentistry, your little one can maintain a strong, healthy, happy smile for a lifetime!
About the Author
Dr. Neil Dean has been working hard for the smiles of his patients for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and then his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at Texas A&M. He has been on the dental staff at Children’s Medical Center of Plano since 2004. From preventive treatment to sedation dentistry to emergency care and more, Dr. Dean is prepared to help with all your child’s oral health needs. You can schedule an appointment for them on his website or call (972) 884-5450.
