Is your child ready to see a dentist for the first time? They are if they have their first tooth. While it’s OK to take your child to your own dentist, a pediatric dentist would be better for your child’s first dental visit.
What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist? What can a pediatric dentist do that your general dentist can’t? There are several factors to consider when choosing your child’s dentist, including the advantages of choosing a pediatric vs. general dentist.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
You may think a dentist is a dentist is a dentist, right? While all types of dentists begin with general dentistry, some undergo additional training, education, and certification to specialize in specific fields. This range includes orthodontists, endodontists, and pediatric dentists.
A pediatric dentist receives the same training as a general dentist, but typically undergoes up to two additional years of specialized training in pediatric dentistry. This includes learning specialized care for baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, primary teeth, or milk teeth. They also learn special care for the eruption of permanent teeth, also known as adult teeth.
Why Visit a Pediatric Dentist?
Learning about baby teeth isn’t all there is to pediatric dentistry. A pediatric dentist also learns special care techniques for their patients. Children don’t understand the things adults do, and some dental treatments can be scary for them. We learn to treat a child emotionally, mentally, and physically.
A pediatric dentist is trained to understand how children think and react, particularly in response to stressful situations. They are also trained to help children with special needs, who will have their unique reactions.
Emotional Consideration
The goal of a pediatric dentist is to make the child’s visit as calm, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. We want to establish a positive relationship with the child so that they look forward to visiting the dentist, rather than dreading it.
At the Center for Pediatric Dental Health, we have an amazing team trained to work with children. Your child will be greeted with smiles, encouragement, and entertainment in our office. We know if your child has fun and enjoys their time with us, they’ll be eager to return for their semiannual visits.
Dental Education
It’s also our job to help teach the child good oral hygiene habits in a way that they will continue to use them throughout their lifetime. We want to make brushing and flossing fun so they will learn to do it every day.
We strive to make brushing and flossing enjoyable, and we collaborate with parents to provide suggestions on how to carry that fun home. Is your child reluctant to brush their teeth before bed? A pediatric dentist knows ways to encourage your child to brush that will make the time fun for them.
A pediatric dentist can also teach both you and your child the proper techniques for brushing. Children aren’t as coordinated as adults, so they may not cover every part of their teeth when brushing. We can teach your child the best brushing techniques that will be easiest for them.
Special Needs
Some children have special needs related to their dental health, whether physical, mental, or emotional. A pediatric dentist is trained to help children in nearly any special circumstance or situation. A general dentist may not have such specialized training.
Many children transition to a general dentist as they get older, typically in their teenage years. However, some children with special needs may need to remain with their pediatric dentist for a little longer. We will care for your child for as long as we’re needed, and we will do everything possible to make their transition to a general dentist as smooth as possible.
How Do I Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
How do you choose the right pediatric dentist? Several factors should be considered, including location, cost, and reputation. We think it’s important to visit the potential pediatric dentist in person, too.
Reviews and word of mouth are often the best ways for parents to narrow down the candidates. From there, most parents will visit the pediatric dental office. At the Center of Pediatric Dental Health, we’re proud of our reputation and our high ratings.
We want to make your visit with us as easy for you as possible. That’s why we have three offices in Sicklerville, NJ, Woolrich Township, NJ, and Mount Laurel, NJ. It allows us to serve our South Jersey patients better.
What Can I Expect During the First Visit to the Dentist?
We’d love to meet with you, and we’re happy to show you the environment your child can expect. What can you expect with your first dental visit?
You’ll meet our staff and our doctor during your first visit. We’ll introduce you to the people who will be caring for your child, hopefully for years. You’ll get a chance to tour the office and see all the fun things we have to offer your child during their visits.
The first visit gives us a chance to get to know your child, as well. We will give your youngster a thorough examination. That includes digital imaging and dental X-rays. Don’t worry! We use top technology so your child gets their dental images quickly and efficiently. We’ll also ask about any dental or health history your child may have.
This information will tell us if your child’s teeth and jaws are developing properly and what we can do to ensure your kid has strong, healthy teeth for a lifetime.
Pediatric Dentistry in South Jersey
It’s important to start your child early on a path of good oral hygiene. That starts with taking your child to a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts. While a general dentist is fine, a pediatric dentist is trained to do more for your child from the beginning.
Is your child ready for their first dental visit? Schedule an appointment with the Center for Pediatric Dental Health. Come see the difference a pediatric dentist can make in your child’s oral health.
