Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist or a General Dentist?
Does that mean you don’t take your kids to the dentist at all? There’s no way you can dodge your kid’s dental responsibilities. But the good part is you can choose to make it stress-free and positive for them. For that you need someone who can assist you in your responsibility of looking after your kid’s oral care by gaining their trust. A job that monumental requires a specialist approach, which is why there are pediatric dentists or paedodontists.
Who are pediatric dentists and in what way their specialist approach will impact my child’s dental habits and hygiene?
To begin with, pediatric dentists are dentists who are trained to treat children throughout the different stages – babyhood, childhood, and adolescence. After completing their training in general dentistry, they devote an additional 2-3 years to study child-oriented dental care techniques. Pediatric dentists are also trained to treat dental problems of children with special needs.
So does that make pediatric dentists adept at handling kids? Can they adjust themselves to the temperamental nature of kids and perform the necessary treatment?
Yes. Their specialized training in children-specific dentistry goes beyond treatments and techniques; pediatric dentists are taught how to deal with kids. With unpredictable little minds, it’s important to know how to tackle mood swings and behaviours by means of patience, tactful distraction, and comfortable setting. Pediatric dentists know how to gently affix healthy and lifelong habits into your kids’ minds by explaining the importance of maintaining dental hygiene.
Do pediatric dentists study lifestyle/habits of parents to understand and treat kids?
Pediatric dentists employ an all-encompassing approach when it comes to treating dental problems of children. In most cases, children inherit their parents’ dental problems; which is why pediatric dentists probe into parents’ lifestyle, eating habits, and dental diseases like caries.
As parents, we know you want to take best decisions for your kids that will help in instilling healthy habits in them. By choosing a pediatric dentist over a general dentist, you will instill lifelong habits in your kids that will serve them well throughout their lives.
