Tulsa Pediatric Dentistry Gallery

What is Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is a type of dentistry that is specifically designed for children, as opposed to general dentistry. They format their entire practice to be a child-friendly environment in order to help children feel at ease and enjoy going to the dentist. It is so important to train your child to have great dental health from a young age; that’s why we do what we do- we are here for you and your family.

Specialized Training

Did you know that pediatric dentists are required to complete 2-3 more years of additional training after dental school? We go the extra mile in order to provide your child with the best care possible.

What are some differences between pediatric dentistry and general dentistry? One simple difference is that pediatric dentists have smaller sized tools in order to reach inside children’s small mouth size. Additionally, pediatric dentists design their dentist offices to be a fun environment in order to help the kids feel more relaxed- full of bright colored themes on the walls, games for children to play while waiting, etc. Lastly, pediatric dentists are also trained in child psychology, behavior, as well as special needs. Most of all, we have fun working with kids! These things are all incredibly important when it comes to giving your child a positive experience at the dentist and setting them up for success in their dental hygiene for years to come.

What sedative do you use?

At MLK dentistry, we use a safe sedative called Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas. We use nitrous oxide to reduce anxiety and fear in our young patients. Using sedatives is also beneficial to minimize pain and to improve cooperation. Another reason why using a sedative could be necessary is when young children need major work done on their teeth such as root canals, surgery, or any other type of major procedure.

Common Pediatric Dental Issues

Some common pediatric dentistry in children include tooth decay, tooth loss, gingivitis,
dental hypersensitivity, thumb sucking, and orthodontic problems. These issues can likely be prevented if you use proper dental care on a daily basis. We want to set up your child for success in life when it comes to their dental health.

Managing Dental Anxiety in Children

It’s fairly common for children to feel scared when they go to the dentist. Our pediatric dentistry office does everything we can to make it a positive experience for children and to look forward to coming back. Whether it’s their first visit, or whether they’ve been coming for a while, we do our best to make it a positive one.

Diet and Nutrition

At MLK Dentistry, we know that healthy eating habits build strong teeth and gums. A healthy diet builds strong teeth and reduces the need to go to the dentist often.

One important aspect of what we do is educating parents on dental care and nutrition. Things like limiting sugar, using fluoride, and professional recommendations on pacifiers and jaw health can greatly impact your child’s oral hygiene. Sometimes parents know the basics of dental care but are unaware of other aspects; we want to be your point person and fill you in on all the dental information that you need.

Preventative Dental Care

There are many things you can do in order to prevent big issues in your child’s dental hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups at a pediatric dentistry office are vital in order to set up your child for success. In fact, we recommend that children visit the dentist every six months. This type of basic dental care will serve as a check-up, cleaning, and anything else major that is needed.

One of the biggest tips we can give to parents is this- on a daily basis, try to make brushing and flossing fun part of your daily routine. You can do this in a number of ways. Some parents let their kids pick out the toothbrush that they want, such as a certain color or theme. Additionally, some parents use a reward system to incentivize when their children brush and floss well. Another great thing to do is to brush your teeth with your child at the same time. Children often like to do what the parent is doing, and they look up to their parents and want to be like them. When they see you brushing your teeth, they will want to pick up their toothbrush and join you.

The earlier that you start your child in a routine to take care of their teeth, the easier it will be in later years for your child to keep up with the brushing and flossing themselves. It is worth it to take the time and teach them the right way from the very beginning. Invest the time in your child’s health and dental care today!