You taking your child to the dentist for the first time is a significant milestone. You know oral care is essential, but which dentist should you pick, a pediatric dentist or a family dentist? Actually, what are the differences between the two? Both pediatric and family dentists will have completed a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. That is where their similarities rest.
A Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist, also called a periodontist, is a dentist that specializes in children’s teeth only. They go into advanced training that helps them handle children’s dental needs as young as eight months old. They also learn how to interact confidently with toddlers, tweens, teens, and all ages in between; their goal is to ensure they feel safe and comfortable during dental procedures. Such as:
Seeing a pediatric dentist can help teach children and parents the start of a good oral care routine that will last well into their adult years.
Family Dentist
Unlike pediatric dentistry, where their care is exclusive to children’s teeth care, a family dentist cares for the whole family’s teeth, including the parents. They usually suggest check-ups around every 6 months to help prevent cavities along with other gum and dental issues. Just like a dentist, they provide oral health care in the likes of:
Some even offer orthodontist services. A benefit of family dentistry is that it provides dental care for the entire family in one location. It can also ease a child’s dentist anxiety when they see their parents go to the same dentist. Furthermore, your children can continue to attend the same dentist they did as children as an adult.
While each may have differences in the end, taking care of your child’s pearly whites is the most important. Whether you go to family dentistry or pediatric dentistry, ensuring your child gets proper dental care is the main goal so their teeth can last a lifetime.
