Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist vs a General Dentist?

Are you looking for a dentist for your child? Whether it’s time for your baby’s first visit, you’re new to the area, or you’re simply in need of a change, you should really seek out a pediatric dentist. 

A pediatric dentist specializes in treating children. The entire practice is geared toward children and their specific dental needs, which typically makes them a better fit. Here’s why you should consider a pediatric dentist over a general dentist for your child.

Most pediatric dentists see children as young as 12 months old. It is recommended that a child’s first visit to the dentist should take place around their first birthday or within at least 6 months of the first tooth eruption. General dental offices often don’t see children until they are school aged or older. 

To establish a foundation for a lifetime of dental health, your child’s dental care should start well before they start kindergarten. Some children already develop cavities by that age that could be prevented with proper dental care.

Specialized training goes into being a pediatric dentist, as well as pediatric support staff such as a dental hygienist and a dental assistant. In addition to special training, pediatric dental staff gain experience the more they work with children, meaning a practice dedicated to children offers significantly more experience for the dentist and staff than a general dental practice.  

Providing dental care to children requires patience and compassion that not everyone possesses. Pediatric dental staff know how to talk to children so that they feel comfortable and won’t be afraid. Making kids feel at ease is the ultimate goal.

A big advantage to going to a pediatric dentist is that the equipment is appropriately sized for children. From the chairs to the dental instruments, everything is kid-sized to make children feel more comfortable and to care for their teeth more effectively. 

In addition to the equipment, pediatric dentists offer other kid-friendly items, such as fun flavors for toothpaste and fluoride. They also give out dental care supplies that are made for kids, such as toothbrushes with characters, bright colored flossers, and flavored toothpastes.

At a pediatric dentist’s office, even the decor is kid-centered. Bright colors, wall murals, and entertainment. Many pediatric dentists provide TVs for kids to watch while they get their teeth cleaned to make the experience even easier. 

Pediatric dental offices strive to stay on schedule so that kids aren’t kept waiting for long periods of time, pushing their very short attention spans to the limit. If a child is already grumpy from having to wait, they are less likely to be cooperative in the dentist’s chair.

Advancements in technology have made pediatric dentistry much more effective. Ultra-quiet dental tools prevent children from fearing the loud noises they hear at the dentist. Power scalers make it possible to clean teeth below the gum line less aggressively and without damaging the roots of the teeth. Advanced radiology detects the smallest cavities in the smallest of teeth so that they can be filled before causing any pain or discomfort. Technology can make early dental experiences less intimidating.

Andover Pediatric Dentistry embodies all of the above and much more. If you want your child to get the best start in terms of dental health, we are here to be an integral part of it. We make children feel comfortable so that they develop a healthy opinion of going to the dentist. A negative dental experience for a child can stay with them for a lifetime, but a positive first experience can set the right tone for a healthy dental future. 

Call 978-296-4964 today to schedule an appointment at our Andover office or 978-682-3342 for our Lawrence office. You can also request an appointment at your most convenient location. We look forward to helping your child establish a healthy opinion of the dentist that will last for their lifetime.