{"id":53,"date":"2021-11-23T17:27:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T17:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=53"},"modified":"2021-12-23T17:51:14","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T17:51:14","slug":"pediatric-dentistry-in-chesterfield-and-its-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/11\/23\/pediatric-dentistry-in-chesterfield-and-its-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Have you ever wondered how pediatric dentistry in Chesterfield<\/a> got started? After all, humans living during the early centuries never had the luxury of taking their children to see dental experts who specialized in young smiles. So, how did it form, and why it is recommended that children see a pediatric dentist instead of a general dental professional? Read on to find out.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Pediatric Dentistry and Its Origins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pediatric dentistry didn\u2019t step into the spotlight until the early 20th<\/sup> century. Although most of the \u201cexperts\u201d did not have additional training or experience working with children, pioneers in the field (i.e., Alfred C. Fones, the father of dental hygiene) encouraged students to enter into the public schools and provide oral healthcare to children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t until the 1940s, however, that the American Dental Association (ADA) officially deemed pediatric dentistry a specialization that aspiring dentists could pursue. Once this recognition occurred, cities began to introduce fluoridated water to help combat tooth decay and strengthen enamel. Dentists received pediatric training and knowledge on how to work with children who have special needs. Also, the American Academy of Pedodontics (AAP) was founded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As years passed, fluoride awareness became popular within schools, as the National Institute of Dental Research worked to promote its importance among school children. Unfortunately, 20 years after the initial incorporation, many preschool children struggled with tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the world entered the 21st<\/sup> century (2000), the ADA established a guideline that states children should begin seeing a dentist by the time they reach the age of one or when their first tooth erupts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But an important question remains and is often debated among parents and professionals, which is, \u201cShould my child see a pediatric or general dentist?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To help answer the previous question, it\u2019s important that you understand the reasons a pediatric dentist can be such a beneficial part of your child\u2019s growing smile. It\u2019s not that a general dentist won\u2019t take care of your little one\u2019s teeth and gums, but there are many differences and benefits that come with seeing someone who is specialized in caring for the early development of a child\u2019s smile, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n