At Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, we specialize in offering exceptional pediatric dental care, making a pediatric dentist the preferred choice for your child's care. While general dentists can treat children, pediatric specialists provide more targeted expertise for young patients' unique needs.
Understanding the Difference: General Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist
General dentists receive broad training across all dental areas, including pediatric care. Pediatric dentists, conversely, complete dental school plus at least two additional years of specialized training. This extra education enables them to customize care specifically for infants through adolescents.
Pediatric Dentistry: A Specialized Approach to Children's Oral Health
Pediatric dentists focus on several key areas:
Behavioral Guidance
Understanding how to manage children's behavior and reduce anxiety during dental visits.
Orofacial Growth and Development
Monitoring your child's growth and development to catch issues early.
Cavity Prevention
Teaching and applying preventive measures including fluoride treatments and sealants.
Sedation and Management
Effectively managing sedation for anxious or very young patients.
Caring for Medical Conditions
Treating children with medical or developmental conditions that require special dental care.
The Main Goal of Pediatric Dentistry
The primary objective is to prevent and treat oral diseases while guiding a child's oral development. Pediatric dentists emphasize preventive care through fluoride treatments and sealants, monitor oral development, and teach healthy habits to both children and parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child's first dental visit be?
It is recommended to take your child to the dentist by their first birthday, or as soon as their first tooth appears.
How should I clean my baby's teeth?
Even before your baby's first tooth appears, you should clean their gums with a soft, damp cloth or a baby toothbrush.
Why do baby teeth matter?
Baby teeth help your child chew, speak, and smile. They also hold space in the jaw for adult teeth.
Should my child wear a mouthguard for sports?
Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard while playing sports. Mouthguards protect the teeth from injury.
Can thumb-sucking and pacifiers affect my child's teeth?
Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can affect your child's bite, potentially leading to alignment issues.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists possess additional years of education focusing solely on children's dental needs. They are trained to reduce anxiety and make the experience enjoyable, and they offer guidance on baby tooth care, healthy eating habits, and future interventions like braces. The benefits of a pediatric dentist are not just felt in childhood -- they impact your child's oral and overall health for life.