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Should-My-Teen-Still-See-a-Pediatric-Dentist

March 24, 2023

Should My Teen Still See a Pediatric Dentist?

Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has extensive training and experience providing children of all ages with exceptional dental care. We are committed to delivering cutting-edge smile solutions for long-term healthy smiles. The question many parents have is, should their teen still be seeing a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

Pediatric and general dentists are dedicated to prevention to help their patients ward off dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. However, there are some differences between the two. Pediatric dentists are specialists with at least two additional years of rigorous training after dental school, focused on caring for young smiles. They have a deep understanding of what it takes to maintain the health of developing teeth and are experts at behavior management and caring for children with special needs.

Given the additional training and expertise, it’s best to choose a pediatric dentist to care for your child, especially if your little one has special healthcare needs or is anxious about visiting the dentist. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our practice is kid-centered, and our staff understands how to calm down our most fearful patients. Our happy environment and warm and friendly team will ensure your child is comfortable and stress-free while receiving exceptional dental care.

Should Teens See Pediatric Dentists?

While teenagers may seem too “grown-up” to see pediatric dentists, it’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids continue seeing a pediatric dentist until they are at least 18 years old. That is because teens still have developing teeth and jaws that require specialized care.

Here are some reasons your teen should continue to see a pediatric dentist:

Teens are still growing and developing: Even though all the baby teeth are gone and replaced with permanent ones, the mouth, face, and jaws are still growing and changing. Pediatric dentists are the best-equipped dental professionals to care for your child’s dental needs during these critical years of change and development.

Teens often need orthodontic treatment: The teenage years are usually when orthodontic treatments begin. The jaw may not keep up with the developing adult teeth, leading to a host of complications, including crowding and impaction. Your teen’s pediatric dentist will monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure everything is on track.

The wisdom teeth come in: The wisdom teeth, known as the first set of molars, typically come between the ages of 17 to 21. They are notorious for causing problems, including pain, crowding, infection, and decay. Moreover, they are sometimes impacted or stuck in the jaw, leading to complications, including damage to the surrounding teeth. Pediatric dentists have the specialized training to care for your child’s smile and detect problems that may develop with the appearance of wisdom teeth.

Building healthy habits: Teens often face an increased risk of decay due to poor food choices and oral hygiene habits. Pediatric dentists are skilled in communicating with children and can help adolescents develop healthy dental habits to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry Services Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our quality preventive and restorative services designed to keep young smiles healthy and bright. Our dedicated team is here to support your teen’s oral health every step of the way. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.