Pediatric dentistry protects children and helps establish oral health habits that will continue to serve them throughout their lives. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we take an approach that includes both preventative and corrective measures.
We know the importance habits and lifestyle play in each and every person’s oral health. Our practice has been around for more than 40 years, and in that time we have seen pediatric dentistry grow in leaps and bounds. We thought we would take the time today to take a look back at the history of this great and often overlooked field of dentistry.
When did pediatric dentistry begin?
During the turn of the 19th century, dentistry was already a thriving field, but few dentists had practices devoted to children. Most focused on fixing oral health issues as they occurred rather than introducing preventative habits to kids.
At the time, dentists could rarely do more than pull a tooth when a cavity took root. Alfred C. Fones began a program that brought dental care to public schools in 1914. A decade later, the first pediatric dentistry book hit the shelves. By the 1940s dentists were armed with better bristles in toothbrushes, made from nylon instead of animal hairs, that helped improve preventative oral health.
Related Post: What Is The Difference Between A Pediatric Dentist And A General Dentist?
When did modern pediatric dentistry start?
By the 1950s cities began to fluoridate their public water supply to help people of all ages and social standing keep their teeth resistant to cavities more easily. During this time, the first group of pediatric dental health professionals met and started the American Academy of Pedodontics.
By the 1960s, the United State’s government created the Pediatric Dentistry Training Program with the purpose of teaching dentists how to treat the specific needs of children. By the mid-1980s cavities in children drop substantially across the population.
Jump to the 2000s and pediatric dentistry encourages dentists to start seeing children within 6 months of the appearance of their first tooth. This helps kids develop positive habits early. Under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, pediatric dental care must be offered to all children.
Related Post: What Is A Pediatric Dentist?
Who can help my family with pediatric dentistry?
If you need a pediatric dentist in the Springfield, MO, area, look no further than Parkcrest Dental Group. We also offer general dentistry, orthodontic dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. No matter your oral health needs, we can take care of you. It’s never too early to start taking care of your teeth!
