Dental care is important for humans during every stage of life because healthy teeth and gums help to support a healthy body, feelings of confidence, and a higher quality of life. Dentists that offer pediatric dental care (i.e. care specifically geared toward evaluating and treating dental health in young patients) are highly recommended for infants, toddlers, children, teens, and even young adults.  

When Should Your Child Start Visiting the Dentist?

When it comes to seeing the pediatrician, most parents know that their kids start seeing them right away - sometimes, they even have a first pediatrician's visit before they are born. When it comes to seeing the dentist, the timing isn't always as straightforward, since expecting mothers don't need to visit a pediatric dentist before the baby arrives.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time either when their first tooth erupts or by the time they celebrate their first birthday.  

What Ages Do Pediatric Dentists See?

Pediatric dentists are trained to treat developing and growing children of all ages, including:

• Infants - Treatment begins around six months of age.

• Toddlers - Babies from one to three years old

• Children - Children from four to 12 years old

• Teens - Adolescents from ages 13 to 17

• Young Adults - Still-growing young adults from ages 18 into their early 20s

Is Your Child Too Old for the Pediatric Dentist? What Age to Stop Seeing the Pediatric Dentist

Most children stop seeing a pediatric dentist and transition to visiting a regular dentist in their late teens or as young adults. Children who have been visiting a family dentist who provides treatment to patients of all ages can remain with their current dentist as long as they wish, and these dental care providers will adjust their treatment approach as appropriate.

Most young patients stop seeing a pediatric dentist when they become young adults. However, some pediatric dentists also treat adult patients with developmental concerns, sensory challenges, or other issues that can make changing dental offices and dentists particularly stressful or difficult.  

Why Dental Care Is Important for Your Child: The Benefits of Early Pediatric Dental Visits

Early pediatric dental visits help to build a strong foundation of good oral health for children from which they can continue to benefit for life.

Support Healthy Development

During every stage of childhood, children grow, develop, and change. For this reason, it's important for a pediatric dentist to monitor the growth and development of a child's teeth, jawbone, and gum tissues. We can help support healthy beginnings through early detection and interceptive care designed to mitigate the need for complex treatments later in life.  

Prevent Dental Problems

Pediatric dentists place the strongest emphasis on preventative dental care to help support the development of strong teeth, healthy tooth enamel, and healthy gums. We can detect and treat problems such as tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bruxism early on before they worsen or lead to more complex complications.  

Establish Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Adults understand the importance of taking care of their teeth in between dental appointments, but it can be difficult to communicate this concept effectively to children who are still learning how ideas like "cause and effect" work. Pediatric dentists and pediatric dental hygienists are experienced in talking with children of all ages about oral hygiene. We help to teach young patients (and parents) proper techniques while making dental care fun.  

Create Positive Experiences

Pediatric dental offices are designed with children in mind. We do our best to make visiting the dental office a fun experience that feels relaxed rather than worrisome. We use gentle techniques and child-sized tools and equipment to ensure a calm and happy experience that helps children develop positive associations with dental care to support healthy habits for life.  

Lower Dental Care Costs

Neglected teeth and gums can result in more expensive, complex, invasive, and costly treatments in the future. Bringing your child to the dentist early on and investing in preventative and interceptive care can help to reduce the cost of future dental care treatments. This is especially true of early orthodontic evaluations and preventative treatments such as fluoride applications, prophylaxis cleanings, and dental sealants.  

Pediatric Dental Milestones Addressed by Pediatric Dentists

Throughout development, your child will reach a variety of dental milestones including:

• The First Tooth, Teething, and Primary Teeth - A baby's first tooth usually erupts between six and twelve months. By age three, most toddlers have finished teething and have all 20 of their primary teeth.  

• Losing Primary Teeth - Between the ages of six to twelve years, children begin to lose their primary teeth and subsequently replace them with permanent teeth.  

• Early Orthodontic Evaluation - Children should have an early orthodontic evaluation at about age seven to determine whether they will require braces or if interceptive orthodontics (such as a space maintainer) can help mitigate the need for future orthodontic treatment.  

• Braces - If needed, children typically begin orthodontic treatment with braces at around age 12. Orthodontic treatment that occurs while a child is still growing and developing is simpler and less extensive than orthodontic treatment in adulthood.  

• Emerging Molars and Permanent Teeth - At around age 12, children develop a second set of molars.

• Wisdom Teeth - Wisdom teeth (third molars) develop and begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 years.  

Comprehensive Dental Care for the Whole Family in Fayetteville, NC

At A Smile Spa, we're proud to provide relaxed, individually tailored, and positive dental care to patients of all ages. Specializing in dental care for adults and children, Dr. Zita Henry provides comprehensive pediatric care to children of all ages and complete care for adults. The perfect solution for busy families with children of all ages, adults who appreciate a more relaxed dental care atmosphere, and children who fear switching to a new, unknown dentist.  

To learn more about pediatric care and our comprehensive dental services designed to cater to families, we welcome you to contact our family dental office in Fayetteville, North Carolina today.  

‍