Pediatric Dentists at Gentle Dental
Gentle Dental is proud to have the only Certified Pediatric Dentist in the area, Dr. Jody Atzmon. She is available for appointments to see your children.
A pediatric dentist is dedicated to the oral health of children from toddlers through teens. They have the experience and qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood. A pediatric dentist has additional training beyond regular dental school. After the initial 4 years of dental school, they have an additional two years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.
Any dentist is qualified to care for your child’s dental needs, but a pediatric dentist is trained to make your child feel more comfortable and at ease, and is focused on working with children. Also, if your child has some special needs, consider using a pediatric dentist.
When should I first take my child to the dentist?
Children begin to have their baby teeth around 6 months. By ages six or seven, they start to lose their first set of teeth. Without proper oral care, children could face oral decay and disease that starts a lifetime of dental complications. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist occur by age 1 or within 6 months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age.
What types of oral care does a pediatric dentist provide?
- Preventative dental care including fluoride treatments and cleaning
- Nutrition and diet recommendations
- Infant oral health exams
- Care for dental injuries such as knocked out teeth, or fractured or displaced teeth
- Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as congenital heart defect, asthma, diabetes, hay fever, and ADHD
- Habit counseling- including thumb sucking and pacifier use
- Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, mucoceles,pediatric periodontal disease, and a short frenulae.
- Early assessment and treatment strategies for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bit
- periodontal disease