A pediatric dentist is a dentist who specializes in child dental care. As children’s teeth develop, they face a series of unique challenges. The goal of pediatric dentistry is to prepare a child for a healthy, vibrant smile as an adult. Most parents know that children go to a pediatric dentist, but when should a child switch to an adult dentist? Read on to learn how long a child should see a pediatric dentist.
Your Child’s First Pediatric Dentist Appointment: Before Age 1
We recommend scheduling your child’s first dentist appointment around their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. You do not have to wait until your child’s teeth come in to see the dentist. Coming in early gets your child even more familiar with the dentist office, and it allows you to get to know your pediatric dentist. You can also prepare for the steps ahead, like brushing your child’s gums and teeth. These techniques take a little practice to perfect. Your dentist will help you start your child on the path to good oral health.
General Age for Seeing a Pediatric Dentist: 0-18 Years Old
As a general rule of thumb, most children see a pediatric dentist until they are 18 years old. Some children will transition after all of their permanent teeth come in, and others will wait until they officially reach adulthood. Every family makes the best decision for their specific needs.
Benefits of Seeing a Family Dentist That Offers Pediatric Services
The ideal solution here is to see a family dentist that offers pediatric dentistry services. There is no need to transition to a new dentist after that. Your child can see the same dentist well into adulthood. We offer family dentistry, pediatric dentistry and cosmetic dentistry here at Clinton Dental Center. We serve many families in the Chesterfield MI area, with clients of all ages. You could bring your children to the same dentist office you go to, taking the hassle out of dental appointments! This is a simple way to enjoy the best of both worlds.
How to Get Your Child Excited about Seeing the Dentist
Is your child apprehensive about going to the dentist? Here are some quick tips to eliminate the fear:
- Go to the dentist office before your child’s first appointment. Ask for a tour, and let your child get familiar with the environment. Once he sees how nice the staff is and how comfortable the office is as a whole, he won’t have as much fear for his actual appointment.
- Make the dentist seem like an exciting place to be. You may not be a fan of going to the dentist, but don’t let your child see that. Children feed off their parents’ energy levels. Make the dentist office seem like a vacation spot, and your child may change his perspective.
- Practice oral health care as a family. Brush and floss together. Incorporate your morning and nighttime routines. This is a great bonding opportunity, and it acclimates your child to tooth care.
- Answer questions your child has about the dentist. Your child may simply have a fear of ‘the unknown.’ If he has questions about what to expect from the dentist, answer them in a positive, reassuring manner. Encourage these questions so your child feels prepared for the appointment.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Chesterfield MI, contact Clinton Dental Center at (586) 949-5363. We offer family dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and a range of other services for your family.
