Current Trends in Pediatric Dental Care in Texas

Pediatric dental care in Texas is changing. Dentists encourage parents to take their children for dental check-up visits more often. Many children fear dentists due to the use of needles and drills that they commonly see on television. However, the advancements in dentistry are changing the way children have dental experiences. 

Dental hygiene in childhood is important for lifelong good oral health. Over 50% of kindergartners and 67% of third-graders experience tooth decay in Texas. As a parent, taking your child to a dental practice in Abilene designed for children can address their dental needs. Meanwhile, read this blog to learn about the current trends in pediatric dental care. 

Current trends in pediatric dental care in Texas

Parents are becoming more aware of the dangers of lack of proper dental care in children. Here are some of the current trends in pediatric dental care among Texas residents.

People are realizing the importance of early dental care. 

One of the current trends in pediatric dental care in Texas is that more and more people now know the importance of early dental care. Parents take their child to visit the dentist starting from a very young age. This teaches them the importance of dental hygiene and care. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dental Association, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend parents take their child for their first dental visit before their first birthday. 

There are innovative treatment techniques. 

The world is continuously changing. Therefore, there is no reason the dental world should not advance. The recent advancements in dentistry have affected pediatric dental care. Practices recommend non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques, including laser treatment. It is effective in cavity detection and gum disease management. 

The new treatment techniques do not require or require less anesthesia. Therefore, they provide a more comfortable experience to young patients. 

Dentistry is being digitized. 

The integration of digital technology with dentistry is revolutionary. Traditional X-rays had the threat of exposure to radiation, which is now removed by the digital X-rays. They require much less radiation exposure, making them safer for children. Moreover, digital X-rays provide faster results, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of the problem. 

People focus more on preventive care. 

Unlike before, when people only went to the dentist when something went wrong, preventive dentistry is gaining more importance. Pediatric dentists are increasingly recommending and using dental sealants to protect children’s teeth from decay. Fluoride treatments are also done to preserve the tooth enamel. This reduces the need for extensive restorative procedures later. 

Behavioral management is introduced in pediatric dentistry. 

Dental phobia is a prevailing issue all around the world. It is especially common in small children. That is why behavioral management is important in pediatric dentistry. Practitioners are adapting ways to create more comfortable and relaxing atmospheres in their clinics to ease children’s anxiety. Dentists are trained to learn child-friendly methods for the same. 

There is an increased accessibility of services. 

The government is going the extra mile to increase the accessibility of dental care services for everyone, especially for the underprivileged population. There are school-based dental programs that offer on-site check-ups for students who otherwise do not have access to dental care. This is particularly true for schools in rural areas or for students from low-income families. 

Parents are educated on pediatric dental care. 

Education for parents about their child’s dental health is important. Upon visits to the dentist, the professional takes time out to discuss the important components of dental health. They provide information on proper hygiene techniques, dietary impacts on oral health, and the importance of regular check-ups. Parents becoming more educated on dental care enhances children’s ability to care for their teeth. 

Schedule your child’s first dental visit today!

If you have a child over the age of one and they have not had their first dental visit or check-up yet, what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest dentist today!