Pediatric Dentistry

Little smiles deserve special care to grow up healthy. That’s why we have an Ada, MI, pediatric dentist on staff to help our young patients feel comfortable in the dental chair. We can perform cleanings, monitor incoming adult teeth, help out in emergency situations, and make orthodontic recommendations when they’re of age.

How Is a Pediatric Dentist Different?

It’s easy to think that all dentists are the same but similar to other professions, there are specializations. Sure, both pediatric dentists and general dentists attend dental school for 4 years on top of an already completed undergraduate degree in a related field. Where the two professions differ, however, is after dental school. General dentists go on to finish a residency period as determined by their state and pediatric dentists pursue 2-3 years of additional training centered around the dental treatment of babies, children, and teens.

Topics studied by pediatric dentists during this time include:

• Baby teeth
• Mixed dentition (combination of baby and adult teeth)
• Child development and behavior
• Child psychology (with an emphasis on communication methods)
• Special needs dental care
• Sedation dentistry for children

Inside of our Ada dental office, we love kids and will do everything in our power to make your child’s visits enjoyable. It’s our goal to start young with oral hygiene habits so children are more willing to continue taking care of their smile as they progress into adulthood.

Baby Teeth: Why They Matter

Even though baby teeth, or primary teeth, eventually fall out, they still play a vital role in your child’s oral health. For instance, baby teeth act as placeholders for incoming adult teeth. When a tooth is lost ahead of schedule, surrounding teeth will try to shift and fill the space which can cause unwanted crowding. Your child’s 20 baby teeth also help them as they are learning to speak and chew food. Without them there, basic daily activities would be difficult and oral health complications may occur. Set your child up for success and teach them early on that brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once daily are important. We’d love to also see them every 6 months for a cleaning to help catch what their toothbrush might miss.

Prioritize Your Child’s Smile

Our pediatric dentist in Ada, MI, is dedicated to keeping your child’s teeth in tip-top shape and providing age appropriate dental care. Call Norman Family Dentistry today at (616) 676-9177 to request an appointment.