Pediatric dentists are trained to provide optimal care for children of varying ages. You should consider dental care once your child receives their first tooth. Most children start to get adult teeth around 12 or 14 but does that mean they should start seeing a general dentist?
There are mixed signals about how long children should visit a pediatric dentist, so we have gathered some information to help you determine the best course of action to help your child progress.
Ask Your Child How They Feel
Your child and teen should feel comfortable with their dentist no matter what. If your child wants to see a new dentist, then that should be the next option. Asking your child what they would like to do can ensure that you make the right choice. Letting them make the decision also ensures that they can feel more confident about going to the dentist in the future and making decisions regarding their health.
Should Teens See A Pediatric Dentist?
Again, if your child feels comfortable with their pediatric dentist, there is really no rule that says they must switch to a general dentist. If they are not ready to move on, don’t put the pressure on them.
Once you do switch to a general dentist, there will be no more transitions as general dentists treat adults for the rest of their life. The only reason your teen or child would need to switch dentists is if they move or change insurance plans to a more affordable option.
Ask Your Dentist
If you and your child are both unsure of what the best plan of action is, ask your current dentist! They can ask you some questions about what care you are needing. Transitioning to a general dentist for your kids can be a hard transition, especially if your kids experience dental anxiety. Your pediatric dentist knows your child and their dental history. Between the two of you, you should be able to determine if your child is ready to make the move to a general dentist.
Consider The Number Of Primary And Permanent Teeth
If your kids are still in the transition period between adult teeth and baby teeth then you should stay with a pediatric dentist who knows how to care for baby teeth. If your teen has lost all of their baby teeth, it could be a good time to switch to a general dentist that can treat their new adult teeth. This is not the determining factor but can be helpful in choosing a general dentist.
Mountain View Pediatric
Those children who still have baby teeth can benefit from seeing our doctors. Our pediatric dentists work hard to make sure your child gets the best care and feels calm at our office.
Mountain View has locations in Pleasant View and Farmington to best serve the community. With many services and many insurances covered, we can serve your family for generations to come. Contact our office to learn more or schedule a visit.
