Children should start seeing a dentist regularly as soon as their first tooth emerges. It's true that kids lose their baby teeth, but proper oral care is important even in childhood. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children of every age. Here are four things that pediatric dentists do for the children they treat:

1. Put their patients at ease.

Pediatric dentists have trained to work with children. They often have a better chairside manner than dentists who primarily work with adults. Pediatric dentists understand kids' specific concerns. Children don't have much frame of reference for dental procedures, so they're more likely to be scared by the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells found at the dentist's office. A pediatric dentist will be very patient with your child, talking them through their entire dental appointment.

2. Offer services and treatments that benefit growing patients.

Some dental treatments are useful for both children and adults. Professional teeth cleaning and x-rays are necessary for people of all ages. However, there are some treatments that primarily help children, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants. General dentists may not be as familiar with these treatments. On the other hand, pediatric dentists can recommend these treatments and others like them. Dental sealants can protect kids' molars from decay. Meanwhile, fluoride treatments can strengthen your child's teeth.

3. Utilize tools designed for children.

The tools dentists use are designed for general use, which means they will fit most mouths. However, kids have small mouths that are still developing. Tools made for adults may cause children pain because they're too large. Since pediatric dentists treat children of all ages, they have the appropriate tools available. Smaller tools mean your child can have a more comfortable dental exam. Pleasant dental exams will reduce dental anxiety, so your child can grow up with a healthy relationship to dentistry.

4. Explain the importance of oral self-care to patients.

Professional cleanings allow a dentist to remove tartar and plaque from your child's teeth. However, most dental care happens at home. The most important thing your child can do is brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. A pediatric dentist will spend time explaining the importance of proper care to patients. They will demonstrate the right way to brush and floss teeth so children can understand. Patient education is very important, and it can lead to healthier mouths and better patient outcomes.

Contact a clinic like Champagne Pediatric Dentistry to learn more.