Parents have a lot to choose from when it comes to dental care for their children. Some believe children shouldn’t visit the dentist until they go to school. Some people believe that you should see your baby as soon as they begin to have teeth.

You may be wondering, despite what you might have heard, “What age is the best to see a pediatric dentist?”

A pediatric dentist should be seen once your child has their first tooth. Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces recommends “First Birthday, First Visit.” This allows the dentist to check on the health and growth of their jaw, teeth, and gums. A dentist should be consulted throughout your life. Even denture-wearing patients should still see a dentist to check for gum disease, and make sure their teeth are healthy.

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What age can my child be to visit a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you start caring for your child’s oral health as soon as they get their first tooth. If they are teething, you can bring them to the dentist as soon as six months. However, many parents wait until their child is one or two years old.

Many children are anxious or scared of the dentist. A pediatric dentist will help your child feel more at ease. These dentists specialize in pediatric dental care. They will see your child for a checkup approximately every six months.

The pediatric dentist can help you and your child navigate the process of losing teeth, getting new teeth in, and other questions related to oral hygiene. The pediatric dentist can refer you if your child requires braces.

When your child is an infant, toddler, or elementary school student, a pediatric dentist will see them. As children grow into pre-teens and teenagers, they can still care for them.

A child’s jaws and face shape will change as they grow, and their baby teeth will fall out. A pediatric dentist uses this information to help make sure everything is going as expected.

Your child will eventually develop a relationship over the years with their pediatric dentist. Your child’s pediatric dentist will see them until they have their final adult teeth. The majority of adolescents have all their adult teeth by the ages of 12 to 14, but it’s not a strict limit for pediatric dentists.

There is no set age limit for pediatric dentists if you are wondering when your child should stop seeing them. You might decide to have your child see a regular dentist when they are in their late teens.

Most people visit a regular dentist when their wisdom teeth grow between the ages of 17-25. These are the third molars that will grow in your mouth. Some people feel discomfort as they grow in.

You can have wisdom teeth that are impacted but don’t grow correctly. Your teen may need to have their wisdom teeth removed. It doesn’t matter if it’s their regular dentist, or their pediatric dentist, they can help you decide.

There are differences between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist.

Pediatric dentists have all the same education as regular dentists, but with some special child-specific training. They spend typically two years studying pediatric or adolescent dentistry and care. They are ideal for caring for children because of their specialization.

Pediatric dentists are more geared towards children. This type of office will make your child feel more at ease. Children will enjoy the bright colors and engaging décor, which can distract them from the upcoming dentist visit.

Not only will a pediatric dentist make your child more comfortable while in the chair, but they can also provide advice and assistance. Ask any questions you may have about your child’s oral health, their potential needs for orthodontics, or loose teeth.

Although regular dentists are able to treat children, they do not have the training necessary to help with child development. They are more skilled in caring for older adults. A regular dentist may not be the best option for your child if they are anxious or have special needs.

Do Teens Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?

Your child should be comfortable with their dentist, no matter what. If your child is a teenager and doesn’t feel ready to move on, talk to the pediatric dentist. You might get some advice from them about how to help your teenager maintain good oral health while moving on to the next stage.

Your child won’t need to change dentists again once they start seeing a regular dentist. While a move may require a new dentist, they will not need one like a pediatric dentist. They can see a regular dentist for the rest of their life.

When to Stop Going to a Pediatric Dentist.

Your child should be comfortable with the idea of going to a regular dentist. Teenagers may tell you when they are ready to see a general dentist.

Talk to your child about the transition by making sure you check their teeth status. It might be time for them to move on once their permanent teeth are in. Although it’s not a requirement, it may help your child to realize that they are growing up and need the best care possible.

Your pediatric dentist may talk to you about changing. They might be able to explain to your child how another dentist can provide better care for their adult teeth. Conversations like this with your child and their dentist will help make the transition smooth. Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces is proud to have great relationships with general dentist offices located near our locations. Ask our team for some ideas.

Final Notes

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat children and teens. They have specialized training in oral care for children who are losing their baby teeth or growing adult teeth.

From the moment your child gets their first tooth, to when they become teenagers or college-aged, these dentists will be able to see them. Locate a Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces near you to care for your child’s teeth.

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