_A pediatric dentist is a type of dentist who works only on the oral health of children. A parent is able to take their children to these types of dentists, beginning when they are infants and ending some time near the end of their teenage years. A pediatric dentist is qualified to work with children in regards to proper teeth and gum care. They can recommend ways for parents to help keep up with proper care of their child's mouth. Oral care is very important and should be started at an early age. Part of that oral care is seeing the dentist, because not seeing a dentist could lead to oral decay. Any kind of oral decay that occurs once a child has their permanent teeth have begun to grow can seriously affect their oral health later in in their lives. This is why it is important to take children to see a pediatric dentist, who has had to take four years of schooling and two years of residency in order to handle children's oral care specifically. A pediatric dentist can specialize in various types of oral health care treatments. This includes oral examinations that are performed on infants involving risk assessments. These types of dentists are also able to recommend how to get a child to stop sucking on their thumb or pacifier. These habits can absolutely ruin dental health. Specialized equipment allows pediatric dentists to deal with a child's oral health. Their offices, also, are typically bright and colorful, which can help to alleviate fears regarding seemingly “scary” offices for children. Pediatric dentists are also specialized in dealing with all of the fears children can often have in regards to dentists or other dental related problems.