16 Nov Why Take Your Child To See a Pediatric Dentist Instead Of a General Dentist?
Most of the kids are treated by a General Dentist while it would be more beneficial for your child if you take them to a Pediatric Dentist. After graduating from dental school, a general dental specialist is ready to begin seeing patients. A Pediatric dental specialist, on the other hand, spends an additional two years after dental school to meet the needs of children.
This time is dedicated to behavior modification, sedation dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics. These vital skills are not typically taught to general dentists. A Pediatric Dental Specialist receives specialized training to treat dental issues in infants, children, and patients in their early teens, which is one of the major differences between a General and a Pediatric Dentist. Pediatric dentists learn about issues specific to kids during this training, such as sedative guidelines, how to adapt to a child’s behavior, how to treat children under general anesthesia, and how to earn a child’s trust in order to make them feel at ease.
In this blog post, we’ll cover:
- Benefits of seeing a Pediatric Dentist
- Pediatric Dentist vs General Dentist
Benefits of seeing a Pediatric Dentist:
Children’s teeth aren’t just like adult teeth. A pediatric dentist can better serve your child’s dental care needs, and here are the following the benefits which will show you how:
- Parents may be aware that certain foods can harm a child’s dental health, but they may be unaware that pacifier use and thumb sucking can also harm a child’s teeth. A Pediatric dentist can assist parents in breaking these habits with their child at the appropriate time.
- When it comes to the actual visit, a pediatric dentist can provide a relaxing and kid-friendly environment. Kids will feel more at ease in the waiting room and with our chair side manner.
- A pediatric dentist can perform a safe and painless examination of an infant’s first tooth. Because baby teeth begin to appear as early as one year of age, it is critical for a pediatric dentist to ensure proper tooth development. They will be the most knowledgeable, and the earlier a parent takes their child to the dentist, the better.
- They use tools that are specifically designed for children’s dental care. In addition to providing a welcoming environment for children, pediatric dentists that children are not fully grown adults and require different treatment methods than adults.
- Because kids’ teeth are still developing, oral hygiene will differ depending on age. These orthodontists can advise the child on the best and healthiest oral hygiene practices. Kids should not use the same fluoride toothpaste as adults and should brush their teeth gently.
Pediatric Dentist vs. General Dentist
| Pediatric Dentist | General Dentist |
| Pediatric Dental Specialists require specific training in child development and psychology beyond dental school. | General Dentistry focuses on the family as a whole rather than focusing on the dental needs of children. |
| They use similar and more kid-friendly terminology, tools and techniques. | Though they might have the most top of the line technology, it is not specific to the needs of children. |
| These dentists are better equipped to handle special needs children. | They certainly have the ability to treat special needs kids, but lack the continuing education in pediatrics. |
| Typically, a pediatric dentist’s office is a more kid-oriented, fun and relaxing environment. | Even if their office is clean, safe and calming, it might be too intimidating to kids. |
If you have questions about taking your child to the dentist or want to set up a consultation, Dr. Alina Pediatric Dentist in Allen will answer all your questions and concerns. Please call 972-727-0011 to schedule a consultation.