Child dentistry is a service offered by paediatric dentists to prevent, diagnose and treat different dental conditions. On the other hand, paediatric dentists are dentists who specialise in treating children (all persons who fall under the age of 18 years old). Read on to learn more about children's dentistry. 

Why Choose a Paediatric Dentist for Your Child Instead of a Regular Dentist?

Though a regular dentist might be in a qualified and experienced position to offer your child dental services, two important attributes might be absent: 

First, a paediatric dentist's clinic is designed in a way that calms a child. A child needs a colourful environment to be calm. That is why you might find that paediatric clinics have child-friendly images and colours when compared to regular dentist clinics. The patient's sit may also be designed (colour-wise and structurally) to look like a kind of a ride or animal that would excite any child.

Second, a paediatric dentist is trained to handle different children and meet their needs. Understanding the different behaviours that kids portray and knowing how to keep a child calm during a dental procedure is a skill. Finding a regular dentist with such skills can be difficult (this does not mean you cannot come across several).

What Comprises Child Dentistry Services?

The most common paediatric dental services include examination, monitoring, advice, tooth extraction, and braces. 

1. Examination, Monitoring and Advice: When your child is about six to 12 months old, you will start noticing his or her first teeth. This is the right time to visit a paediatric dentist clinic for examination. The paediatric dentist inspects your child's teeth for evidence of abnormality; if any is found, you are advised accordingly.

The paediatric dentist also educates you on what to look out for, the habits to avoid and how to maintain your child's dental hygiene. He or she will even create a kind of dental visit schedule for your child; this helps the dentist monitor how your child's teeth are growing and developing.

2. Tooth Extraction: Children lose their primary teeth between the ages of six and 12 years. You might require a paediatrician to help extract some of your child's primary teeth if you find that it may be difficult for you or your child to do it. Some teeth may fall off on their own while others might require to be pulled out to avoid injury. 

3. Braces: A significant number of children require braces at one point or another. Installation of dental braces is, therefore, a service that is offered by most if not all paediatric dentists to align your child's teeth.

For more insight, contact local clinics like Geelong Dental Group.