Why go to a Pediatric Dentist Instead of a General Dentist
Coronado, CA

The difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist is more than just a title. Pediatric dentists receive additional training to make them uniquely qualified to specialize in treating children. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist can help set them up for good oral hygiene for the rest of their lives.

Pediatric dentistry is available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado and the surrounding area. Set your child up for a lifetime of oral health and have them get a great first impression of dentistry. Call us today at (619) 354-5136 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Ages Treated by a Pediatric Dentist

According to MouthHealthy, a pediatric dentist is a dentist focused on the oral health of children. Their training allows them to treat children starting from infancy and all the way up through their teen years.

Baby teeth typically begin erupting during a child's first six months of life. By the time a child turns six or seven years old, they will begin to lose their first set of teeth and have their permanent teeth come in.

Without the proper, specialized treatment they need, young children are more likely to suffer oral decay and disease — which can have lifelong effects and complications. As such, it is imperative for parents to take their children to a dentist who focuses on children's specific needs and anatomy.

“… a pediatric dentist is a dentist focused on the oral health of children.”

Getting a Good First Impression of the Dentist

On top of being uniquely qualified to treat children's teeth, gums, and mouth, pediatric dentists also understand how to make children feel comfortable in the dentist's office. They understand that a happy child is a happy patient — while a general dentist may simply be focused on completing the procedure.

A pediatric dentist's office, on the other hand, is tailored specifically towards children. There are often books, toys, and other fun distractions that will cause the child to associate the dentist with positive interactions and play. This first impression can leave the child with positive associations with oral health that will follow them into adulthood.

“A pediatric dentist’s office […] is tailored specifically towards children.”

Differences in Training

Pediatric dentists are not just dentists who chose to work with kids — they are dentists who have been trained specifically to be prepared for kids. In addition to completing four years of dental school, pediatric dentists must complete a two-year residency training program in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.

General dentists, in contrast, do not complete any such residency. While they can treat children, they do not have the same expertise, experience, or training as pediatric dentists. Additionally, they are generally more well-acquainted with adult oral anatomy. In short, while general dentists are capable, they lack the comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of pediatric dentists — and the experience necessary to treat any possible behavioral needs.

“In addition to completing four years of dental school, pediatric dentists must complete a two-year residency training program in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.”

Tools Designed for Children

Perhaps unsurprisingly, pediatric dentists also have different tools at their disposal. While adult-sized dental tools may technically work in a child's mouth, they were not made with children's needs in mind. Since the anatomy of a child's mouth is different from an adult's, children require different dental tools.

Luckily, pediatric dentists have smaller dental tools to make dental exams, cleanings, and treatment generally less uncomfortable and more enjoyable. This is also another part of ensuring that children have a good impression of the dentist, making it less intimidating for them to maintain their oral health.

“While adult-sized dental tools may technically work in a child’s mouth, they were not made with children’s needs in mind.”

Enthusiasm About Treatment

Unlike general dentists, pediatric dentists became dentists specifically to work with children. They are enthusiastic about treating this particular population, and, from day one of their residencies, are in constant contact with them. In other words, they are continually being "trained" to improve.

With each patient visit, pediatric dentists must apply positive reinforcement and "tell-show-do" (in which they explain the procedure to the child in understandable language, show them a simplified version of the treatment, and perform the procedure) — all in a soothing tone meant to calm both the child and parent.

“Unlike general dentists, pediatric dentists became dentists specifically to work with children.”

Questions Answered on This Page

What ages should only be seen by a pediatric dentist?

How does a pediatric dentist create a positive association with oral health?

How much training does a pediatric dentist need to undergo?

Do pediatric dentists use different tools?

Does it really matter that pediatric dentists work with children every day?

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Dental Terminology

Dental Caries

Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a solution of plastic material that we apply to the crown of the tooth to protect the areas within the ridges of teeth from infection.

Dental Prophylaxis

A dental prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning procedure that involves preventing the spread or continued growth of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Etchant

Etchant is a gentle acid to treat the surface of a specific tooth to help the filling material stick to the tooth.

Occlusion

Occlusion describes the mandibular and maxillary rows of teeth meeting when the patient bites down. If a patient does not have a healthy bite, they are struggling with malocclusion.

Overjet

An overjet is a bite orientation that results from the maxillary central incisors (top center teeth) protruding over the mandibular central incisors (bottom front teeth); this may also be known as “buck teeth” by patients.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy gingivitis is gingivitis that results from the common change in hormones during pregnancy that increases blood flow to the gum tissue, increasing sensitivity, irritability and swelling in the gums.