When you take your child to the dentist, you should just take them to the same dentist you visit, right? Well, that can work in some cases, but typically, it’s not the best option. To get the best, most comfortable, high quality care for your child, you should see a pediatric dentist. 

Specialized Training and Experience With Children’s Teeth

A pediatric dentist has special training and experience focused on children. A pediatric dentist goes to college and dental school just like a general dentist, but then they go through two additional years of residency training. That is hands-on training with another pediatric specialist to learn all about the special needs of infants, children, and teens.

All Mouths Aren’t the Same

In theory, all mouths are relatively the same. They have teeth, gums, and similar structures. But your dental needs change over time. For instance, as people get past age 40, they have a heightened risk of gum disease. Similarly, when a child is young, their mouth is still developing. Ideally, you want a dentist who understands that process inside and out.

With that knowledge, a pediatric dentist is able to make all kinds of unique decisions such as deciding when to pull a baby tooth to make room for adult teeth, when to refer your child to an orthodontist, or when to advise sealants. A general dentist often doesn’t have the experience to make those decisions as efficiently.

Kid-Friendly Dental Offices Are Important

You may think the decor at your dental office doesn’t matter, but our surroundings have a big impact on how we feel. As you may have experienced yourself, if a space is dirty, cluttered, or unattractive, you can start to feel tense and anxious. That’s true for children as well.

When they’re in a brightly colored space with lots of fun things to look at, they tend to feel more comfortable and at ease. Those feelings make it easier for your child to get dental work done, and they also set a positive tone that your child may carry into their future dental experiences. This is not just speculation. In fact, there are over 600 studies indicating that the decor in hospitals and clinics can have a direct impact on patient outcomes.

Pediatric Dentists Focus on Preventive Care

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention if worth a pound of cure. That’s especially true when it comes to your dental health. For instance, if you spend just a little bit of time and money preventing cavities by buying toothpaste and floss and taking care of your teeth, you spend a lot less time and money curing issues by getting fillings or other dental treatments.

Pediatric dentists understand this fact, and they focus on preventative care. They offer routine appointments and cleanings to your children, as well as education about the importance of brushing and flossing.

Before you book your child an appointment at a general dentist, stop and consider the advantages of a pediatric dentist. Then, call us Nia Pediatric Dentistry at (770) 800-8986 to make an appointment. We are a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.