Children's dentists attend additional years of dental college in order to specialize in pediatric care. These dentists strive to help children have healthy and strong teeth. These are some things that children's dentists can do for kids and their families:

1. Make sure kids' teeth are growing properly.

Babies are born toothless. As kids grow, they will acquire baby teeth and eventually grow their permanent teeth. The doctor-patient relationship should begin as soon as your child's first tooth begins to emerge. Although kids may not need much dental work done at that point, this is a good opportunity to get your child used to the dentist's office. It's also an opportunity to make sure your child's teeth are growing properly. Pediatric dentists can ensure that all of a child's teeth are growing in the right direction and at the right rate. If necessary, they can correct any instances of dental impaction or overcrowding before these issues begin to cause serious problems.

2. Enlist parents as active participants.

Kids are not yet able to care for their own needs. Babies, infants, and toddlers, in particular, lack the dexterity necessary to brush and floss their teeth. Even older kids may need to be regularly reminded to perform their oral care routines. Children's dentists understand that parents are important participants in their kids' oral health. That's why pediatric dentists will enlist parents as assistants by offering advice and information that parents can use to care for their kids' teeth at home.

3. Check on oral pain.

Oral pain is always a good reason for a trip to the dentist's office. Kids may be more prone to tooth pain than adults since teething and growing permanent teeth can cause some aches and pains. However, your child's dentist is always there to check on oral pain and make sure nothing serious is going on. Emergency dental exams can catch cavities, tooth fractures, and other dental issues that are causing your child discomfort. Restorative treatments, such as cavity fillings and root canals, can relieve the source of pain when something is amiss.

4. Help kids form positive associations with the dentist's office.

Finally, a children's dentist can provide kind patient care that can help kids appreciate going to the dentist's office. Forming positive associations when they're young can keep kids from dreading dental appointments when they grow older. This can set your child up for a lifetime of good dental care.