Asthma and obesity isn't the most common childhood disease in the US. As it turns out, tooth decay is. Around 300,000 children aged 2-5 suffer from moderate to severe cavities, while around 1.5 million suffer less serious conditions. For a clearer picture, that's one in every 5 children. You may think that this calls for more visits to their respective pediatric dentists. However, it is estimated that 50% of all these children have never even visited a dentist before.

Pediatric dentists are dentists who specialize in treating dental problems of children around 2-16 years of age. They are dentists who received two extra years of dental school. During these two years, they must learn the difference between treating the dental problems that arise in younger people. They are trained to better deal with children in different emotional and intellectual stages. They will find it easier to deal with children, pre-teens, teens and even children with special needs.

General dentists may also find it easy to treat a child, especially since they could have the whole family's dental history. But pediatric dentists are trained to make dental visits pleasurable for children, especially for those who will visit the dental office for the first time. A pediatric dentist will have to diagnose and treat a child without stirring fear and intimidation.

A pediatric dentist's office will look and feel friendlier. Most of the patients will be children, and this can easily relieve a young, troubled mind. Being surrounded by other children might lessen the nervousness a child gets from being in the dental office. This is almost the same as choosing to have your child treated by a pediatrician rather than your own physician.

A baby's teeth will be vulnerable as soon as it breaks through the gums. Some suggest that the first dental visit should take place as early as 6 months after the first tooth appeared. Many others suggest that it should happen some months after the child learns how to eat solid food.

The regular visit to the dentist is only half the work. The other half is in your home, where the child must be taught and supervised for good oral hygiene. Getting started early on good dental habits will have several benefits, most of which the child can reap when they enter puberty and adulthood. But since they aren't there yet, it's might be better to have them checked and treated by a pediatric dentist.