When it comes to your child’s oral health, finding the right dentist is an important step in ensuring their smile stays bright and healthy. But as a parent, you may wonder—should you choose a pediatric dentist or a family dentist for your child? Understanding the differences between these two options can help you make the best decision for your child’s oral care needs.
At Briarcliff Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics in Briarcliff Manor, New York, we specialize in providing high-quality, compassionate pediatric dental care and orthodontics. Below, we’ll outline the key differences between pediatric dentists and family dentists, highlight their unique benefits, and help you decide which is the best fit for your family.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dental professional who specializes in the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers. They have additional training—typically two to three years beyond dental school—that focuses on the unique needs of younger patients. This extra education equips pediatric dentists with expertise in areas such as child psychology, growth and development, and treating dental issues specific to children.
Pediatric dental offices are designed with children in mind, creating a welcoming and fun environment that helps ease dental anxiety. From colorful decor to a focus on gentle care, the goal is to make every visit as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for your child.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
- Specialized Expertise
- Pediatric dentists have the training and skills to address the unique dental needs of children. Whether managing teething infants, evaluating early orthodontic concerns, or teaching oral hygiene techniques tailored to kids, pediatric dentists are well-equipped to handle it all.
- Child-Friendly Atmosphere
- Pediatric dental offices are designed to make children feel comfortable and safe. Bright, cheerful colors, engaging toys, and calming dental chairs are common elements you’ll find in these spaces.
- Understanding Behavior and Anxieties
- Pediatric dentists are experienced in working with children of all temperaments. They know how to communicate effectively and use techniques to calm nervous or anxious little patients, ensuring a positive dental experience.
- Focus on Prevention
- Preventive care is a top priority for pediatric dentists. From fluoride treatments to sealants, their goal is to protect your child’s teeth from common issues such as cavities and decay.
What Is a Family Dentist?
A family dentist provides dental care for patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. They offer a broad range of general dental services, including cleanings, fillings, and restorative treatments. Their focus is on meeting the dental needs of the entire family in one convenient location.
Visiting a family dentist often means everyone in your household can receive care in the same office, making it easier to schedule back-to-back appointments for parents and kids alike.
Why Choose a Family Dentist?
- Versatility With experience treating patients of all ages, family dentists are equipped to provide care throughout every stage of life, from baby teeth to adult teeth. They’re a great option for families seeking comprehensive dental services in one place.
- Building Long-Term Relationships Family dentists can establish and maintain long-term relationships with each member of your household. This consistency can help create a sense of trust and familiarity over time.
- Convenience If you have a busy schedule, visiting a family dentist can eliminate the need to travel between multiple offices for appointments. Everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—can receive care under one roof.
- Comprehensive Care Family dentists are knowledgeable in general and preventive dentistry, offering treatments that suit a range of patient needs.
- Pediatric Dentist or Family Dentist? Questions to Consider
When deciding which type of dentist to choose for your child, it’s important to evaluate your family’s specific needs and priorities. Here are some questions to help you make the right decision:
- How old is your child? Pediatric dentists are excellent for young children because they specialize in childhood oral health. If your child is an infant, toddler, or young teenager, a pediatric dentist may be the right fit. For older teens, a family dentist may also be suitable.
- Is your child anxious about dental visits? If your child has a fear of the dentist or tends to feel nervous, a pediatric dentist’s experience with managing dental anxiety can be a huge advantage.
- Do you want a dentist who can treat the whole family? If convenience and scheduling flexibility are priorities, a family dentist may be ideal. However, for children with unique dental needs or ongoing orthodontic issues, a pediatric dentist could be more appropriate.
- Does your child need specialized care? If your child requires focused care, such as early orthodontic assessments, treatment for cavities in primary teeth, or help with teething, a pediatric dentist’s expertise can provide peace of mind.
Why Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics Is the Best Choice for Your Child
At Briarcliff Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics in Briarcliff Manor, we’re proud to specialize in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, offering expert care in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expert Pediatric Care With extensive training and experience, we understand the unique dental needs of kids and teenagers. From their first appointment as toddlers to preparing for braces, we’re here for every step of their dental health journey.
- A Welcoming Environment Our office is designed to make kids feel at ease. From cheerful decor to staff trained in compassionate care, we strive to ensure every visit is a positive one.
- Focus on Prevention We emphasize preventive dentistry, offering services like fluoride treatments, sealants, and customized oral hygiene education to protect your child’s smile.
- Cutting-Edge Orthodontics Our orthodontists are experienced in helping children and teens achieve straight, healthy smiles. We offer a variety of options, including traditional braces and clear aligners.
- Community-Focused Care We take pride in building lasting relationships with families in Briarcliff Manor and the surrounding areas. Your child’s smile is our top priority.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Choosing the right dentist for your child is an important decision. Whether you’re considering a pediatric dentist or a family dentist, the goal is to ensure your child feels comfortable and receives the best possible care.
At Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer specialized pediatric dental care tailored to children of all ages. From routine cleanings to preventive treatments and orthodontic care, we’re here to help your child achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Call us today at 914-762-6260 or request an appointment online to schedule your child’s visit. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our practice!
Teething is never a pleasant experience, but it’s an important part of any child’s development. Teething is the process of a child’s “baby teeth” erupting through the gums, and while it is necessary for proper oral and motor development, it can be downright miserable for both the child and their parents. Soothing teething pain is difficult, but there are some steps parents can take to make it a little more tolerable. If you have a child with teething pain, here are some tips you can use to help them through it and get them some relief.
Tip #1: Schedule an Appointment with a Pediatric Dentist
First things first…as soon as you notice signs of teething in your infant, contact a reputable pediatric dentist in your area and schedule their first dental appointment. The pediatric dentist will evaluate your child’s emerging teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth to ensure there are no problems looming around the corner. They will also give you tips and advice on proper dental care at home, setting your little one up for a lifetime of good dental health.
Tip #2: Teething Toys
Teething toys are very popular for children dealing with teething pain. Teething toys come in all shapes and sizes, but most feature an easy-to-grip ring for the baby to hold onto while they chew and gnaw on the toy’s soft, rubbery surfaces. Teething rings are probably one of the most popular types of teething toys, but companies release new and different styles of teething toys all the time. Many teething toys can also be put in the freezer before use, offering even more soothing power. Just remember to read reviews on any teething toys you want to try out, and always avoid teething necklaces, bracelets, or any toys with smaller parts or beads that might become loose or dislodged, as these are a serious choking hazard.
Tip #3: Feeding Time
Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, feeding time is a great soothing activity for a baby dealing with teething pain. The sucking motion adds pressure to their sore gums which offers some relief, along with the comfort of being held by mom or dad, which is the ultimate pain reliever for most babies.
Tip #4: Keep it Chilly
We mentioned above that freezing a baby’s teething toys is a great way to boost the soothing power of those toys, but teething toys aren’t the only things that can be chilled to help with teething pain. Throw a clean, damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes for an easy DIY teether with texture your little one will love. Another great frozen choice is fruits and veggies…most stores sell small mesh pockets with an attached grippy ring that you can fill with frozen grapes, berries, apples, tomatoes, carrots…you name it! This way baby can suck the chilly food through the mesh without fear of choking. It’s a great way to introduce new, nutritious foods and also help relieve pesky teething pain…a win win!
Tip #5: OTC Pain Remedies
As a last resort, there are several over-the-counter pain remedies available specifically for teething pain. Orajel™ is one of the best known, but there are several others also available with varying ingredients. Just be sure to check with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist before giving any medication to an infant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teething
When will my child start teething?
Teething varies with each child, but most children begin teething around 6 months old and finish up around 3 years old. However, some children will begin teething much earlier or later.
Which of my child’s teeth will come through first?
The first teeth that typically emerge are the lower two front teeth, followed by the upper two front teeth. After the front teeth come through, the teeth on each side will begin to emerge until the upper and lower second molars come through when they are around two years old. Keep in mind that the eruption pattern may be different for each child.
Expert Teething Advice in Hudson Valley
Looking for help with a teething baby in the Hudson Valley? Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help! Whenever you first notice signs of teething in your baby, pick up the phone and schedule their first dental appointment with us by calling 914-762-6260 or you can also request an appointment online. From your baby's first tooth on through to their wisdom teeth, we will be with you and your child every step of the way, offering expert advice and competent, compassionate dental care. Early dental care is one of the best gifts you can give your little one as they go through the teething process, so make the call to Briarcliff today!
Getting that first tooth is a rite of passage for both parents and children, representing a milestone in the child’s life as they begin their journey into toddlerhood. While many parents and caregivers mistakenly believe that a child doesn’t need to start seeing the dentist or caring for their teeth until they are school-aged, proper dental care should actually begin as soon as the child is born. It’s the early years that can dictate a child’s dental health throughout their life, so establishing good habits early is key. Not only is early dental care beneficial for a child’s physical health, but it also affects their mental, emotional, and social health and can set them up for success as they cross the lines between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Tooth Decay is the Most Common Chronic Disease in Children
According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC), 52% of children have had a cavity in one of their baby teeth by the age of 8 years, making cavities the most common chronic disease in American children. The saddest part of this statistic is that cavities are completely preventable, even in young children, with proper care. It is a lack of early dental care that leads to this staggering number of children affected by tooth decay, which we hope to turn around by educating parents, caregivers, and children on how to care for baby teeth correctly.
Early Dental Care Promotes Good Physical Health
Tooth decay in children causes pain, infection, and an inability to eat, drink, or sometimes even speak properly. If tooth decay is left untreated, the pain and sensitivity can become so great that it stops the child from wanting to eat or drink at all, causing malnourishment and dehydration. Additionally, if the decayed tooth’s infection enters the bloodstream, it can cause cardiovascular problems, sepsis, and even death. Early dental care is vital to prevent these debilitating physical issues caused by poor dental hygiene.
Early Dental Care Promotes Good Mental Health
Chronic pain in childhood, such as the chronic pain caused by cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease, can lead to mental health disorders as the child ages. Pain isn’t the only thing that can contribute to mental and emotional issues - children with severe tooth decay are often teased and bullied for their neglected teeth, as this is usually quite visible to others. All of these effects of poor dental hygiene compound to create a dangerous situation for children who are not able to remedy their dental problems on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
Should my child see a dentist before they start school?
Yes, all children should begin seeing a dentist when their first tooth begins to emerge or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
My child is scared to visit the dentist…what can I do?
Play “dentist” with your child at home using a toy dentist kit. This is a great way to introduce what will happen at the dentist’s office to the child in a fun way. Older siblings can be a great help with this activity.
Early Dental Care for Kids in the Hudson Valley
Set your child up for success with early dental care right here in the Hudson Valley at Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our team of pediatric dental professionals will give you and your child all the advice, guidance, and care needed to have a healthy mouth, strong teeth, and good overall health. For the best pediatric dental and orthodontic care in Westchester County, schedule an appointment with us by calling 914-762-6260 or requesting an appointment online.
A pediatric dental emergency is anything that damages the structure of a child’s tooth, causes severe pain of the teeth or mouth, or causes unstoppable bleeding in the mouth. When any dental emergency occurs involving a child, parents are understandably panicked, but it’s important to stay calm and collected.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
- Knocked-Out Tooth Kids love to play around, but sometimes they can play too rough. Since baby teeth are a bit looser in the jaw than permanent adult teeth, it’s not uncommon for a fall or hit to the mouth area to knock one completely out. When this happens, contact an emergency pediatric dentist immediately for an appointment. While they won’t need to try to save the tooth (it was coming out at some point anyway), they will need to check the mouth to make sure there are no pieces of tooth left in the gums and no damage to the soft tissues in the area.
- Chipped Tooth Sometimes a fall or bump doesn’t knock the tooth completely out but instead breaks or chips it. Unfortunately, a chipped tooth can sometimes be more painful than losing the entire tooth, especially if the nerve attached to the tooth is affected or if the chip leaves a sharp edge. A pediatric dentist can smooth out any rough edges to prevent the child from cutting the inside of their mouth or may need to remove the tooth entirely.
- Soft Tissue Injuries Many people mistakenly believe that they should only see a dentist for a tooth injury, but any injury to the soft tissues of the mouth is a good reason to schedule an appointment. Injuries to the gums, soft or hard palate, tongue, or anywhere else in the mouth can severely compromise a child’s ability to eat or talk, and can make them susceptible to infection if not cared for properly.
- Toothache Toothaches can be some of the worst pain to experience, leaving the sufferer unable to talk, eat, or do anything but think about the pain. Toothaches are usually caused by deep cavities that involve the nerve attached to the tooth which are prone to infection. Often, OTC pain medications aren’t strong enough to combat the pain. If your child is complaining of a persistent toothache, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist to investigate the cause and correct it.`
- Broken Jaw Children’s bones are softer and more flexible than their adult counterparts, but that doesn’t mean their bones cannot break. When a child has a bump or fall that’s hard enough or twists their jaw bone in just the right way, the jaw bone can fracture or break. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate emergency care from a qualified pediatric dentist. Surgery is often required to correct and realign a broken jaw bone, so the dentist may need to consult with other specialties for comprehensive care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Should I call my pediatric dentist or 9-1-1 for a pediatric dental emergency?
Most pediatric dental emergencies should be addressed by a pediatric dentist during a scheduled emergency appointment or walk-in emergency clinic. However, if your child has uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, altered mental state, problems breathing, or any other symptom of a medical emergency, it’s best to call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency room for immediate care.
What if my child has a dental emergency outside of office hours?
For pediatric dental emergencies that occur outside of your pediatric dentist’s office hours, call the pediatric dentist’s office or emergency line for instructions. Once again, if your child has symptoms of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
Pediatric Dental Emergency Care in Hudson Valley
From Peekskill to Briarcliff Manor to White Plains, Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help your child with all their dental needs, including pediatric dental emergencies. Trust us to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright from their first tooth on through adulthood. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 914-762-6260 or request an appointment online.