February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Do you know what the difference is between a regular dentist and a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist is uniquely trained to prevent and treat oral health issues that affect children and adolescents.
As a board certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Waage at Walnut Hills Pediatric Dentistry has gone through extensive training to protect your child’s oral health. This training, in addition to his commitment to continuing education, allows him to provide the most advanced techniques and treatments for his patients.
Dr. Waage received an additional two years of formal training beyond dental school. A pediatric dentist’s advanced training provides him with a special skill-set specific to the unique requirements of infants, children, adolescents, and those with special health care needs.
Pediatric dentists specialize in assessing the ever-changing stages of child development and treating dental conditions and diseases specific to growing individuals.
More importantly, Dr. Waage and his staff love working with children. They are committed to making them feel right at home in this new environment!
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
Have you ever wondered why baby teeth matter since kids are going to lose them anyway? Healthy primary teeth play an important role in the normal development of the jaws and supporting structures.
While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for unerupted permanent teeth. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, infection and even systemic problems if left untreated.
If a child loses a tooth prematurely – due to a traumatic injury or decay – nearby teeth may encroach on that space, resulting in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth.
Most importantly, your child’s general health is affected by the oral health of the teeth and gums. Poor oral health habits have been associated with diabetes, abnormal growth and development, and even heart disease!
Dentistry for children is unique in that it enables children to learn excellent oral health habits at a very young age. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child!
Dr. Waage recommends that you schedule your child’s first dentist appointment when they are 1 year old or 6 months from the time they cut their first tooth.
Connect with Walnut Hills Pediatric Dentistry
64 E. Hickman Rd, Waukee
515-987-1155
