Should My Teen Continue Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?
Deciding whether your teen should continue with our Saginaw, MI, pediatric dentist or transition to a general dentist can be puzzling. Have they grown too old? Is there a strict cutoff age that happens before they’re officially an adult? Fortunately, we have the answers and can assure you that the care we provide remains appropriate for teenagers.
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of having children stick with a pediatric dentist into adolescence.
Is There an Ideal Age to Move On?
In a way, yes, but it is much later than most people think. For instance, our recommends patients continue visiting our Saginaw pediatric dental office up until their 18th birthday.
While we would love to take care of your child as they continue to mature, we do recommend “graduating” from our practice at that age. This is so they can get established in their own dental home before they leave for college or move away.
It’s also important to note that Dr. Yahn can provide special needs dental services for your teen beyond age 18 if deemed necessary. Don’t hesitate to ask us about your options if this situation applies to your family!
Your Teenager Visiting Our Pediatric Dentist Allows For:
1) Monitoring of Jaw and Face Growth
Just as their bodies grow, so do their jaws and face! Sure, their baby teeth are all gone and they have a smile that consists of permanent adult teeth. However, this doesn’t mean the structure of their mouth and face aren’t still taking shape.
Monitoring growth changes such as these is best handled by our pediatric dentist. In fact, it is part of our training to do so. We can pay close attention to how the entire mouth is progressing during each oral exam and note any bite issues or teeth crowding.
2) An Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Around when your child turns 7, our pediatric dentist will begin to assess whether is necessary. We’ll mainly pay attention to how their jaw is growing in relation to their permanent teeth as an issue there could result in crowding, impaction, and poor bite.
If it looks like braces are in your teen’s future, we’ll recommend a trusted orthodontist in the area. Throughout their treatment, our pediatric dentist can coordinate with the orthodontist to ensure the teeth underneath their braces are cared for properly with teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments.
3) A Close Watch on Incoming Wisdom Teeth
For most, come in between the ages of 17-25 and result in pain and crowding. Our pediatric dentist will keep an eye on the molars as they erupt for your teen and if they appear impacted or there’s not enough room, we’ll recommend tooth extraction.
If the wisdom teeth are still below the gum line but need to come out, this may mean a referral to an oral surgeon. We’ll help them keep the area clean in the meantime as it can prove to be a vulnerable place for bacteria to grow and cause cavities.
4) Beneficial Oral Health Advice
We’re sure you’ve noticed this already, but teenagers are trying to become more independent and self-sufficient as they grow. They’re becoming their own people and really learning who they are. As they change and develop, however, it’s important that their does not fall by the wayside.
At each visit, our pediatric dentist can help your teen learn to take care of their own smile as they move through life. We can offer professional advice on foods to eat for healthy teeth, how to handle their dental needs at home, and what they can do to protect their teeth while playing sports.
Give Our Office a Call
Many parents feel like they have to move on and instruct their teen to receive care elsewhere once they reach a certain age, but our pediatric dentist in Saginaw, MI, wants you to know that they’re still very much welcome! Call Great Lakes Bay Pediatric Dentistry today at (989) 792-9201 to request an appointment.
