Adolescence is when many kids began to become more independent. They start to feel more confident and ready to make their own decisions. Even so, there are still some decisions that you should make, and that includes which dentist they go to. Though many teens will likely opt for an adult dentist, There are so many reasons why they should visit a pediatric one. Continue reading to learn about three reasons why your teenager should continue visiting a pediatric dentist.
#1: Their Jaw Is Still Developing
Even though teenagers have likely lost all of their baby teeth and had their permanent ones grow in. Their jaws are still developing. In fact, jaws tend to develop until early adulthood, usually stopping around age 21 or so. Pediatric dentists specialize in growing smiles, so they will have special training that allows them to properly care for and monitor the growth of your child’s jaw.
#2: Teens Often Have Unique Dental Needs
Teenagers tend to have dental needs that are different from those of adults. For example, wisdom teeth usually grow in during the late teens. This can often cause tooth crowding, pain, and decay. Pediatric dentists will be able to detect these issues as soon as they start.
Additionally, adolescence are usually at that age where they may want to undergo orthodontic treatment to fix cricket, gapped, or misaligned smiles. Since their jaws are still growing, they may not be able to keep up with their permanent teeth. This can lead to crowding and impaction. A pediatric dentist will be able to prevent or fix these issues.
#3: Healthy Dental Habits Are Still Being Developed
Though teenagers have had years to develop healthy oral health habits, they are still getting used to caring for their smiles properly. There are also unique risks for adolescent smiles, such as sports-related injuries and high-carb or high-sugar diets. Pediatric dentists will understand a teenagers dental needs and can help them make better oral health decisions when they’re adults.
If you are considering moving your teenager from a pediatric dentist to an adult dentist, think again. A pediatric dentist will still be the best option to help them properly care for their smiles and keep their oral health in good condition for years to come.
About the Practice
Dr. Sara Fallahi, Dr. Zach Kingsberg, Dr. Jay Patel, Dr. Scott Ludlow, Dr. Shayan Azimi, Dr. Brian Kang, and Dr. Le-Anne Ho lead the exceptional team at La Prada Family Dentistry of Garland. They are here to assist your teen with all of their oral health needs so their growing smile can stay healthy and strong. Call La Prada Family Dentistry of Garland at (214) 473-5696 or visit their website to learn more or to make an appointment.
