The Difference Between a Regular Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist
Everyone needs to see the dentist on a regular basis, including children. Unlike adults, children have their own specific set of needs in terms of oral healthcare. They are growing, which means their teeth are changing constantly.
Taking Your Child to the Dentist
A pediatric dentist is trained specifically to work with children. After dentistry school, one must go through two or more years of specialty training to become a pediatric dentist. Children require patience and understanding—going to the dentist can sometimes induce anxiety, and a pediatric dentist will know the best ways to make your child feel comfortable and ready for their checkup.
Children also often have bad dental habits that a pediatric dentist is better at dealing with. For example, a pediatric dentist will know when thumb sucking is causing damage to a child’s teeth and will be able to step in and provide assistance with treatment. Pediatric dentists can also encourage healthy dental hygiene habits in a way that a child can relate to.
Pediatric dentists take special care in teaching their young patients dental hygiene in order to prevent cavities and other potential issues. Children tend to feel much more at ease visiting a dentist that can relate to them and speak their language.
Choosing a Pediatric Dentist
When deciding the best pediatric dentist for your child, take specialty into consideration. The right dentist will focus on preventative care, ensuring your child builds the healthy dental habits they will rely on for a lifetime. Taking your child consistently to the same dentist can help instill the importance of routine when dealing with dental hygiene. They will learn the importance of regular brushing and flossing, and how these will help combat many possible health problems in the future.
Additionally, the right environment will make your child feel at ease, so continuing to go to the dentist in the future will not be intimidating. As soon as your child begins developing teeth, it is time to begin their dental visits. Making them feel comfortable in the idea of going to the dentist will make trips to the dentist much easier in the future.
Avoid telling kids things that might make them frightened of the dentist before even visiting. The right pediatric dentistry practice can make your child comfortable during their visit.
Contact a Cumming Pediatric Dentistry
At All Stars Pediatric Dentistry, we are proud to work with children in the Cumming, GA and surrounding areas to encourage a lifetime of healthy dental care practices. To schedule your child’s first dental visit or a future dental visit, call (770) 292-9441.
