Is a Pediatric Dentist Better for your Kids?

General dentists are trained and experienced in providing quality oral care to patients of all ages, but pediatric dentists focus on enhancing the oral health of children. If you are deciding which dentist your child should see, consider the benefits of pediatric dentistry.

Training

Pediatric dentists have advanced training catering to the unique needs and personalities of children. They learn to treat kids from infancy through adolescence. Part of their training involves undergoing a residency program that concentrates on all aspects of children’s oral care.

Preventive care

Teaching both parents and children about the importance of good dental hygiene and regular dental checkups is a key part of a pediatric dentist’s role. Preventive care is very important in training kids to make their oral health a lifelong priority. Pediatric dentists also provide instruction on good nutritional habits with your oral health in mind.

Comfort level

Children who start seeing the dentist from infancy have the best chances of being comfortable in a dentist’s chair and maintaining checkups. There is also a decreased risk of serious oral health problems, because issues can be caught early. Pediatric dentists focus on creating positive relationships with their patients and making the dental experience a positive one. In fact, many pediatric dental offices are designed and decorated with kids in mind.

Technology

Most pediatric dentists are up-to-date on the newest technologies and advancements in children’s dental care. There is a higher likelihood of a pediatric dentist knowing the cutting edge treatment for kids than a general dentist. A good example of this is sedation dentistry, which helps anxious children become more relaxed and comfortable in a dental environment if needed.

Transitions

As your child transitions though each stage of oral health, a pediatric dentist can see kids through those changes. This includes having no teeth as infants, baby teeth as young children, and then permanent teeth as adolescents. If complications occur, the pediatric dentist is there to help guide the child’s oral health to the next stage as safely and painlessly as possible.

Our dental office is located in Fresno