What’s the difference between a dentist and a pediatric dentist?
While a family dentist is trained to treat both young and adult patients, a pediatric dentist is specially trained to treat young children.
When it comes to teeth, it’s important to start good oral hygiene practices as early as possible.
While some parents choose to have their child see a general dentist, considering a pediatric dentist is also a great option.
What is a Family (General) Dentist?
Family dentists, or general dentists, can handle patients of any age.
However, general dentists don’t receive any additional specialized pediatric training.
What this means is, a general dentist can treat both adults and children.
Of course, a regular dentist can still treat a child’s teeth.
But they simply won’t have the specific skills needed to handle a squirmy toddler.
What are Pediatric Dentists?
The big difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist is that a pediatric dentist exclusively treats children.
Pediatric dentists receive training in general dentistry. They must also take an additional 3 years of specialized training. This training helps a pediatric dentist to diagnose and treat oral issues in children from babies to adolescence.
Pediatric dentists must know how to handle toddlers and younger children.
This includes making children feel comfortable in a situation where they might feel uncomfortable!
The types of services a pediatric dentist provide include,
- Cavity care
- Nutritional advice
- Fluoride and sealant treatments
- Oral development counseling (for things like thumb sucking and pacifiers)
- Emergency treatment
- Treatment of gum disease
- Diagnosis of overbites, underbites, misaligned teeth, and more.
Choose the Right Dentist
It’s up to you whether you choose to bring your child to see a dentist or a pediatric dentist.
The one thing that should help you decide is knowing that a pediatric dentist specializes in the care of children.
A pediatric dentist will know how to put your child at ease to make oral health and hygiene routines a breeze.
Caring for your teeth starts at an early age.
To help your child, learn more about the difference between dentists and pediatric dentists and contact Chroma Dental for a consultation.