Try as they might to convince you otherwise, your teen is not yet an adult. Still, they aren’t exactly a child either. This can be very confusing when deciding whether to take them to a general or a pediatric dentist. However, although they may already have all their permanent teeth, and may even have developed (and in some cases, removed) their wisdom teeth, it is still recommended to bring them to pediatric dentist until they’re at least 18 years old. Here’s why.
They’re Not Done Growing
Although your child may have already stopped gaining height at around age 16, their body is not done growing the moment they turn 18. In fact, for young men, the jaw isn’t fully developed until around age 21.
A pediatric dentist specializes in treating patients who have not stopped growing and is the best person to help navigate any changes to the head, jaw, and mouth as your child continues to develop.
They May Have Wisdom Tooth Trouble
Although not everyone will get wisdom teeth, it is not uncommon for children to develop anywhere between one and six of these pesky third molars. While in some cases they aren’t problematic enough to remove, they can often cause a lot of damage if left in place, including crowding, an increased risk of cavities and gum disease due to difficulty cleaning, and even damage to nearby teeth and the jaw. In those cases, it helps to have a pediatric dentist keeping tabs on them as they erupt; this way, because they have a more complete picture of your child’s overall oral health history, they can recommend extraction (if necessary) at the appropriate time.
They Could Have Alignment Issues
As your child’s mouth grows and they begin to lose their primary (baby) teeth, their permanent teeth can sometimes grow in crooked, crowded, or have a “bad” bite. Their pediatric dentist will not only monitor these changes over time, but they can also make recommendations for your child’s smile even after they’ve hit legal adulthood. Although it’s never “too late” to undergo orthodontic treatment, it’s a lot easier to realign your child’s smile when they’re younger and their ligaments are a bit more malleable.
They’re Still Learning Proper Hygiene
While it’s likely that you’ve been promoting excellent oral hygiene with your child since they were old enough to maneuver their own toothbrush, there’s no such thing as mastering proper brushing and flossing. In fact, even your teen’s pediatric dentist will likely pick up a trick or two along the way. Thus, even if they have done well avoiding things like cavities and gum disease, it can still be extremely beneficial for them to continue seeing their pediatric dentist until they’re an adult. This way, their dentist can offer helpful hints, advice, and education while your teenager is still young enough to adapt their techniques to avoid future oral health issues that could be painful and expensive to correct later!
Remember, while your teen may insist they’re not a kid anymore, their smile tells a different story. So, don’t be in a rush to switch them to a general dentist just yet. Until they’re at least 18 years old, your child’s pediatric dentist is still the best person to help care for their growing grin, helping ensure it stays healthy and strong for a lifetime!
About Our Practice
At Joliet Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Hill and Dr. Jackson understand that caring for a teenager’s teeth requires many special considerations that are unique to their age group. While your young adult may be in a rush to grow up, it’s important to maintain a consistent oral health routine including visiting a pediatric dentist adept at understanding and caring for their growing grin. To safeguard your teen’s smile, schedule their checkup and cleaning with us today by visiting our website or calling 815-729-2277.