Why a Pediatric Dentist?

Why do I need to take my child to a pediatric dentist?

Many parents wonder why they can’t take their child to their own dentist. In many cases, adult dentists do care for children as well. However, pediatric dentists are distinct from adult dentists in several important ways. In fact, pediatric dentists attend dental school for an additional two years in order to learn how to properly care for the developing oral health of children and adolescents. They are also specially trained to work with children with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities.

Children get their first tooth around six months, and lose their baby teeth by age six or seven. In that time, proper dental care is crucial to prevent decay and disease that will affect their adult dental health. Pediatric dentists are trained to keep baby teeth healthy and prevent any problems. As children become responsible for their own dental hygiene, pediatric dentists are also trained in helping children understand why taking care of their teeth is so important. As they enter adolescence, it becomes necessary to evaluate the teeth and jaws for proper alignment to see whether orthodontics will be necessary. Your child’s pediatric dentist will make sure that their smile is as straight and healthy as can be.

Often, children have trouble sitting patiently and cooperatively through a dental visit. Pediatric dentists are trained to make the experience as pleasant and quick as possible for kids, and pediatric dental offices also have special, kid-friendly equipment on hand that adult offices don’t use as frequently.

A pediatric dentist can also provide you with counseling to make sure that you know how to help your child practice good dental hygiene and avoid the need for braces. For instance, we’ll go over what foods are best for dental health, and suggest ways to wean your child off sucking habits that cause poor alignment of the jaw, such as thumb-sucking and pacifiers.

The dentist’s office can be a scary place for kids. As pediatric dentists, we work hard to create an environment for your child that is fun, comfortable, and educational. Your child’s perception of the dentist begins with his first appointment, and we want to create a positive impression so that your child enjoys his visits and doesn’t develop anxiety regarding dental visits as an adult. When we see your child regularly, we can focus on preventative care rather than correcting problems that develop as a result of neglecting regular visits. Call our team to schedule an appointment today!