Should my kid see a Pediatric Dentist vs. General Dentist?

People are sometimes surprised that Pediatrics is a subspecialty in Dentistry. I often hear; “ they are baby teeth, and are going to fall out, so why do my kids need to see a special dentist?”. What is important to keep in mind first and foremost is that many of your children’s “baby teeth” do not fall out in many cases before age 10-12. More importantly, a child is not just a smaller version of an adult. Their bodies, minds and mouths are unique, and should not be treated as adults might be. Therefore, just as you would take your child to a pediatrician for their medical needs, you should be seeking a pediatric dentist for their oral health needs.

What’s the difference between a Pediatric dentist and a Family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has up to three years of additional specialty training following dental school focused around the growth and development of a child from birth through adolescence.

Moreover, the treatment of a child requires finesse and patience. Pediatric specialists have been trained to adapt to the unique needs of children in the dental chair. They understand that new situations can be stressful and concerning for children, and make every effort to make sure your child’s experience in the dental chair is positive.

Apart from the behavioral/psychological components, there are several skeletal differences in the growth of a child’s jaw, sinuses, and other oral structures that a pediatric dentist has been trained to evaluate. For example, tracking the progression of the upper and lower jaw throughout the first five years can be instrumental in the prevention of major bite malformalities, some of which cannot be rectified without surgery if caught too late in development.

So the next time your child needs to see a dentist, give us a call at 760-635-5995! You and your child will be glad you did! Because, children who grow to enjoy the dentist often become adults who don’t neglect their mouths!