What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different

What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different?

February 1, 2022

When it’s time for your child to start seeing a dentist, you want them to get the best care and have a good experience. Finding the right dentist for your child’s dental needs is important. Here’s what makes a pediatric dentist different from a general family dentist.

Making Dental Care Fun
Your child’s earliest visits to the dentist are important, but they should also be fun. While general family dentists attend to patients within a wide range of ages, what makes a pediatric dentist different is that they plan everything to make it the best possible experience for young children. Pediatric dentists typically have toys and stickers on hand, special child-sized toothbrushes your child will get to take home at the end of their visit, and child-friendly programming to watch on TV during procedures.

A pediatric dentist knows that visiting the dentist can make anyone feel nervous, but it doesn’t have to. Pediatric dentists work extra hard to make your child’s earliest experiences at the dentist truly positive to help ensure that your child can look forward to a lifetime of a positive association with good dental health.

Gentle Care for the Newest Patients
Taking your child to the dentist early is important to ensuring good long-term dental health. So how early should you take your child for their first visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child have their first dental appointment by 1 year of age or within 6 months of their first baby tooth coming in. Every child is unique, so if in doubt, you can always call a pediatric dentist to ask about any concerns or questions you may have about bringing your child to the dentist for their first visit.

Won’t Baby Teeth Fall Out Anyway?
Another thing you should know about what makes a pediatric dentist different is that they specialize in baby teeth. If you’ve ever heard the words, “It’s just a baby tooth, it’ll fall out anyway!” but still wanted the best care for your little one’s dental health, you’re not alone. You can rest assured that a pediatric dentist understands your concern for your child’s teeth. They’ll also know the importance of keeping baby teeth healthy to prevent premature tooth loss or infection, which can both lead to major problems with their adult teeth.

Call to Make an Appointment
If it’s time for your child to visit a dentist for the first time — or the fifth time! — it’s always a great time to visit a pediatric dentist to see the difference it can make for your child. Going to the dentist should be something your child gets excited about. Finding the right fit for every family member’s dental care needs is important, so find one that makes your child smile.

Call our , to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.