How Dentistry for Children Differs from Adult Dentistry

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids should undergo dentistry for children by their first birthday. This is the period when the baby’s teeth are erupting, and that will give the child’s dentist the chance to evaluate the condition of their first set of teeth. After the first visit, you should ideally take your child for dental visits every six months.

In spite of the importance of dentistry for children and dental visits at an early age, some parents only take their children to their general dentist, and some do not even take their children to the dentist at all. Although adult dentists can cater to your child, dentistry for children has several advantages. In this article, we will talk about how dentistry for children differs from adult dentistry and the benefits of seeing a kid-friendly dentist.

About dentistry for children

Children’s dentists have more training

Every dentist has to possess a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years in dental school. But, children’s dentists have to go for further training of about two years. The extra two to three years of training emphasizes child behavior and psychology, treating developing teeth, handling children, children’s physical growth and the unique demands of children’s dentistry. They also learn about managing children with special needs.

Children’s dentists are better with children

Since these dentists work exclusively with kids, they will definitely have more experience with treating children than experts in adult dentistry. Children have special requirements. For example, they are more prone to cavities and tooth loss is part of their development process.

Aside from having unique requirements, children also act differently from adults. Kid-friendly dentists have years of experience in dealing with children, handling their emotions and calming their fears.

The environment is less scary

Dental visits can be daunting for some adults and can be worse for children. Children’s dentists take extra measures to ensure maximum comfort for the children when they come for dental visits. For instance, the dental equipment is smaller and specially made for the child’s mouth, which makes them more comfortable.

The dental expert will tell your child about each equipment item, what it is and how it is used. This is to eliminate their fears and make them part of the treatment process gradually without making it overwhelming.

Dentistry for children focuses on teaching good habits

When it comes to oral hygiene, children need more assistance. Although general dentists do not have to concern themselves with teaching adults about proper oral health habits, dentists for children have to do this for their patients. The dental experts will not only make oral care fun for the kids, but they will also help the parents create plans to motivate their children to maintain proper dental hygiene.

Preventative treatment

For many reasons, children are prone to tooth decay. Dentistry for children focuses on providing multiple treatments, aside from the training, that will help avert dental cavities. These treatments include fluoride treatments, space maintainers and sealants.

In conclusion

Dentistry for children includes a comfortable environment for a child and children's dentists. Children’s dentists understand the kind of oral issues faces by children and have the expertise and equipment to prevent those issues.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.

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