As your child is getting older, it is important to make the necessary changes in order for them to be as healthy and happy as possible. Even though pediatric dentistry is great for younger children, at what point should you be transitioning them from their children’s dentist to a dentist who focuses more on adults? Your dentist in Lincoln shares when this time is and why it is the best course of action to take regarding the health of their smile.
How Does Dental Care Differ for Children vs Adults?
Even though both types of practices strive to help their patients achieve happy, healthy smiles, there are different overall focuses depending on the age of the patients. Here is how they tend to differ in order to support good oral health in pediatric and general dentistry:
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentists tend to focus more on smile development. For instance, younger children don’t tend to be as good at thoroughly cleaning all of their teeth. This is why applying dental sealants is a step taken to protect children’s teeth. The whole process is safe, and it lasts for many years. Another way children’s dentists aid in the development of kids’ teeth is by ensuring that they receive their recommended amount of fluoride in order to keep their teeth healthy. This means regular fluoride treatments during dental visits to ward off cavities.
General Dentistry
Adults don’t need to worry about the development of a healthy smile anymore. At this point, their overall dental health should generally be in good shape. At this point going forward, regular dental visits are about improving and maintaining good oral health for as long as possible since there will be no more developmental changes. With dental health issues often comes general health issues, which is one of many reasons why regular visits to the dentist are so important as an adult.
When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist for Adults?
It can be confusing to know when to take your child to a general dentist because there isn’t an exact given age. When your child has their adult teeth, this is a good time to start heading going to a dentist that focuses more on providing dental treatment to adults. For most kids, this is by the age of 13, but this can differ from child to child. When you have a grown-up smile, it’s best to have a provider who specializes more in adult care.
The years go by fast, but your child’s dental health shouldn’t be forgotten! By taking your kids to a dentist for adults at the right age, their oral health can stay optimized.
About the Author
Since 2003, Dr. Louis Olberding has been serving patients at his office in Lincoln, NE. He earned his DDS from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and is a long-term student of Spear and one of two dentists in Nebraska to be a member of the Spear Visiting Faculty. Dr. Olberding is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association. For more information on preventive dentistry for adults or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (402) 488-2325.