Typically, pediatric dentists see children from infancy until the adult teeth have come in, which usually happens at around age 12 or 13, though many parents have their children continue to see their pediatric dentist farther into their teenage years. Because pediatric dentists see more younger patients than most general dentists, these specialists are often more familiar with adolescent oral development and more aware of their patients’ specific dental needs. While all dentists must graduate from dental school and complete their clinical residency, pediatric dentists receive an additional two years of training that is geared specifically toward working with infants and children. In addition to learning about this population’s dentition and oral development and health, pediatric dental specialists also learn different ways to address stress and anxiety in their young patients and to make visits to the dentist a normal, if not enjoyable, occurrence, helping young patients establish healthy habits they can carry into their adulthood.
Medical and dental professionals recommend that children begin seeing a pediatric dentist when the first tooth erupts, which usually happens at around six months of age. While some parents, especially new parents, overlook their infant’s oral care at such a young age, early dental visits can help dentists identify and address congenital abnormalities and other issues while also helping normalize oral hygiene routines, including regular dental visits, for young patients. Pediatric dentists also work with parents to answer and address questions or concerns about their child’s oral development and to make sure that parents understand how to properly teach oral hygiene habits to their children.
Many pediatric dentist offices provide age-appropriate toys, books, and games to keep children entertained while they wait to see the dentist and even during the dental examination and procedures. While it’s common for older teenagers to continue to see their childhood pediatric dentist after establishing years of trust and understanding, some older teenagers might find this assortment of entertaining distractions too juvenile and might be put off by the number of children present in the waiting room, and a general dentist’s office atmosphere may appeal more to these older teens. It’s also often the case that general dentists are better suited to address adult dental concerns, and it’s usually recommended that patients transition to a general dentist by the time they’re around 18.
Of course, every child’s needs are different. Sometimes, children tell their parents they don’t want to go to the “little kid” dentist anymore; if your children aren’t as forthright, check in with them periodically to assess how they feel about pediatric dental visits, and don’t feel that you need to push any changes your child might not feel ready for. Allowing them to make their own decisions, based on their own comfort, can help them maintain a healthy relationship with the idea of regular dental visits and encourage them to continue this practice into adulthood. Once your child is ready to see a general dentist, their pediatric dentist can transfer x-rays and medical records to their new dentist, and your child can begin to establish a new, long-lasting relationship with the dental practitioner that’s best for them.