You likely already know that your child should visit the dentist regularly. But do you know that your kid will get the most advantage if you choose a pediatric dentist as the primary oral care provider rather than a general (family) dentist?
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dentistry specialist whose focus is on young people as patients. Ensuring the oral health of youngsters such as your child is what this person has been specifically trained during dental school to do. That training is different than a family dentist who sees patients of all ages.
A pediatric dentist must complete an additional two years of training on top of what a family dentist completes. That extra time provides preparation for the pediatric dentist to learn how to meet the needs of child patients; those needs can be quite different than adults patients’ demands.
Understanding the Needs of a Child
A pediatric dentist is very in tune with the unique needs of kids. Infants, children, and adolescents have unique oral health concerns that differ from adults. For a pediatric dentist, these concerns are ones they are most familiar with and know how to address them effectively.
In addition, if you start your child going to the dentist early in life, he or she becomes used to the regular oral checkups at the dentist. The youngster gets familiar with the office and starts to comprehend the importance of good oral health.
A Comfortable Enviornment
As well, a pediatric dentist understands how to make your kid comfortable. The specialist is trained in how to deal with uncooperative children. The result is that your child feels safe and secure, so her or she is more likely to follow the pediatric dentist’s instructions for the best oral care possible.
As well, the pediatric dental office is quite different than a general or family dentist’s office. A pediatric office is usually full of children’s games and books, as well as having a TV. These items provide ways to welcome and entertain the youngsters. The environment is targeted to the young ages of patients, helping them feel special and more at ease before they go to the dentistry chair.
Creating a positive atmosphere for your kid when he or she first goes to the dentist is important. By choosing a pediatric dentist, you bring your child to a specialist trained in helping children, making them comfortable and avoiding any dentist phobias from developing during their early formative years.