When your child was young, a pediatric dentist seemed like the obvious option for oral healthcare. However, now that they are a teenager, is a pediatric dentist still the best choice? Should you switch them to a general dentist? The truth is that your child can still benefit from seeing a pediatric dentist, even in their teen years. Continue reading to learn some of the reasons why.
The main difference between a child and an adult is that a child is still growing and developing in a variety of different ways, and this includes teens. While your teen looks more and more like an adult, they are still growing rapidly. Their baby teeth may be gone, but their jaw and face are continuing to change. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to monitor the growth and changes that are taking place throughout adolescence.
The early teen years are a great time to undergo orthodontic treatment. A pediatric dentist will be better able to spot early signs of problems so they can be addressed before causing more severe issues down the road.
The third set of molars, also known as wisdom teeth, usually come in somewhere between the ages of 17 and 25. This can cause pain, crowding, and even decay. Because these teeth are in the very back of the mouth, they can be difficult to keep clean, making them the perfect spot for bacteria to grow. Many people don’t have enough room in their mouth for wisdom teeth, causing them to become impacted. This occurs if a wisdom tooth gets stuck beneath the gums or does not have enough space to break through. This makes them more vulnerable to disease. A pediatric dentist pays special attention to what these molars are doing so they know if and when they need to be extracted to prevent problems later on.
The teenage years are an important time to learn how to take care of yourself, and your teen’s pediatric dentist is here to help in this process. Pediatric dentists have a lot of experience when talking to teens, so they are better able to relate to them. This is key when it comes to sharing advice about anything, including dental care. Their pediatric dentist will be able to continue to give helpful guidance to your child about how they care for their smile and what they need to avoid future oral health issues.
Your teen is getting older and becoming more and more responsible, but this doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye to their pediatric dentist just yet. By sticking with them, their smile can get a head start!
Dr. Leigh Weldon is a pediatric dentist with well over a decade of experience! She earned her dental doctorate from The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry College of Diplomates, the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. To learn more about pediatric dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your teen, visit her website or call (706) 232-2082.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
