As soon as your child develops teeth, you should start thinking about getting a kid’s dentist. Children are more susceptible to dental and orthodontic problems. Therefore, getting them to see a dentist from an early age significantly improves their oral health. For best results, it is always advisable to take your child to a kids dentist instead of a family dentist.
The difference between a Kids dentist and a Family dentist
More often than not, general dentists deal with dental problems in children. Nevertheless, this does not qualify them as pediatric dentists. Typically, pediatric dentists specialize in children’s dentistry. On the other hand, family dentists specialize in general dentistry. Below, we look at the differences between a kids dentist and a family dentist.
What makes a pediatric dentist unique?
Dental equipment:
The equipment you find at a kids dentist is totally different from that of a general dentist. Since they only deal with children, they have child-friendly equipment. For instance, their oral insertion tools are smaller, making them perfect for children. Also, the seats and tables are comfortable for children. Family dentists have bigger dental tools that might hurt your child. Not to mention, the environment at a pediatric dentist’s office is child-friendly. This way, it reduces your child’s fear and anxiety levels.
Training and education:
Both general dentists and kids dentists have a bachelor’s degree in dentistry from reputable institutions. Once they complete their studies, some choose to specialize in different areas of dentistry, while others settle for general dentistry. In particular, pediatric dentists often undergo a three-year program for child dentistry. Here, they learn the special skills required to handle dental issues in children. They get to understand the common dental issues that affect children and how to prevent them. A general dentist does not get to go through this training. As a result, it is always better to take your child to a kids’ dentist instead of a general dentist.
Experience:
Pediatric dentists have more experience dealing with children since they complete a three-year specialty program in child dentistry. Here, they are usually taught how to talk and how to handle small children. Additionally, pediatric dentists know the best techniques for preventing dental issues in children. Pediatric dentists also have the unique skill of determining whether a child’s teeth are growing correctly. On the flip side, general dentists have limited experience dealing with children. They may find it difficult to be patient with children during checkups and recommend the best oral hygiene practices.
Why should I choose a pediatric dentist?
Typically, pediatric dentists are more qualified to deal with children than general dentists. The majority of pediatric dentists enjoy working with children. Most of them are passionate about what they do. Thus, they can calm your child during checkups and build a good friendship with them. Remember, your child needs to feel safe and protected, especially during dental checkups. Otherwise, they may end up throwing tantrums. Look for a pediatric dentist who goes the extra mile to establish a strong rapport with your child. Kids dentists also have child-friendly offices. Consequently, your child won’t dread back-to-school dental checkups. At the end of the day, it would be best to choose a pediatric dentist for your child.
Can pediatric dentists treat adults?
Most people often wonder whether a pediatric dentist can treat adults. As mentioned earlier, pediatric dentists know about general dentistry. However, they further specialize in child dentistry. So, although they can treat adults pretty well, they have a speciality in treating children. Therefore, their strength lies in treating kids. Subsequently, they don’t offer adult-friendly services like denture repair and Invisalign installation.
Factors to consider when choosing a kids dentist
Generally, you have to consider certain factors before settling for a specific kids dentist. One of the most common things to consider is the experience of the pediatric dentist. It would be best to hire an experienced pediatric dentist familiar with a wide range of dental problems. This way, they would suggest the best treatment options for your child’s dental problems.
Needless to say, you should consider your budget when choosing a pediatric dentist. Get a kids dentist who you can afford. Otherwise, you might end up broke because of expensive dental checkups. Your pediatric dentist should offer the best possible services at reasonable prices.
Are you looking for kids dentist?
It is clear to see how a kids’ dentist is important. Kids dentist often specialize in child dentistry. Thus, they handle dental issues in children better compared to general dentists. Here at Golden Pediatric Dentistry, we have the best kids dentists who offer quality services. They have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating dental problems in children.