Broadway Dentistry
(260) 456-3406
(260) 456-3406
A young patient smiling into a mirror at Broadway Dentistry, which offers general dentistry for all ages in Fort Wayne

Why See a Pediatric Dentist?

Patient education

Why See a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists (or pedodontists) care for infants, toddlers, school-age children and adolescents. After dental school they complete two or three more years of child-specific training, including child psychology, so they can communicate with children gently and without fear.

When to start

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a first visit before age one (or about six months after the first primary tooth appears). It may seem early, but twice-yearly preventive visits are key to excellent oral health. Visits let parents:

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  • Ask about new or ongoing issues
  • Start a “no tears” oral care routine at home
  • Learn oral injury prevention at home
  • Find out the child’s risk of caries (cavities)
  • Get help ending habits like finger-sucking
  • Receive preventive fluorides and sealants
  • Hear how the child’s teeth and jaws are developing
Dr. Acosta reviewing a patient chart with her team at Broadway Dentistry, a general dentistry office in Fort Wayne, Indiana

What does a pediatric dentist do?

Pediatric offices are colorful, fun and child-friendly. Dental phobias often start in childhood, so it matters that a child feels comfortable, safe and trusting from the first visit. Care covers several areas:

  • PreventionTooth decay is the most common childhood ailment and almost completely preventable. Besides home-care advice, the dentist can apply sealants and fluoride treatments to protect enamel.
  • Early detectionExams, X-rays and computer modeling help predict problems such as malocclusion (bad bite), wear from grinding (bruxism) and jaw irregularities; some do best treated early.
  • TreatmentAlong with fluoride and sealants, pediatric dentists perform pulp therapy, treat oral trauma, and fit space maintainers when primary teeth are lost too soon.
  • EducationChildren learn why daily care matters; parents get advice on toothpaste, diet, thumb-sucking and more.
  • UpdatesPediatric dentists follow new advances, such as Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute shown to protect young teeth from decay and harmful bacteria. Children who skip visits miss out on this information and on new diagnostic procedures.

If you have questions about when to see a pediatric dentist, please contact our office.

When Should I Take My Baby to the Dentist?

A short video from the American Dental Association.

More on Children's Dentistry

All Children's Dentistry topics
Dr. Denise Acosta and a team member laughing with a young patient in a treatment room at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, where fillings and crowns are done

  1. Why Are Primary Teeth Important?

    Primary teeth, also known as “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy.

  2. Care for Your Child's Teeth

    Pediatric oral care has two main components: preventative care at the dentist’s office and preventative care at home.

  3. How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?

    Twice-yearly dental visits for children, starting about six months after the first tooth appears, and what each checkup covers.

  4. Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking

    For most infants, the sucking of thumbs and pacifiers is a happy, everyday part of life.

  5. Sealants

    A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.

  6. Sealing Out Tooth Decay

    Tooth decay has become increasingly prevalent in preschoolers.

New patients welcome

Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.

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