We get asked regularly by both kids and parents “What age do I stop seeing you and start seeing a regular adult dentist?“. Many children become attached to their pediatric dental care providers and are anxious about seeing a general dentist. What age range do children see a pediatric dentist? At what age should you switch my childs dentist? These questions are completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Don’t feel anxious about asking these types of questions. Quite the opposite! We want parents and children alike to feel comfortable asking their dentist any question on their minds. This is one question that we actually get asked quite frequentl. Parents and children alike both inquire about the age range that pediatric dentists provide service.
What Age Range Do Children Normally See A Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist typically sees children from an age range of 6 months old until their final adult teeth have come in. A child will continue to develop adult teeth until they are 12 or 13 years of age. Many parents opt to have their children continue to see a pediatric dentist into their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are more familiar with issues concerning adolescent oral development than general dentists.
Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics sees adult patients as well as children and is a family dental care provider at each of our 4 locations. Our pediatric dental offices provide:
- Specialized training: Each licensed dentist has graduated from dental school. After dental school they received a minimum two years of additional training pertaining to working with children. Our dentists are intimately familiar with pediatric dental issues and provide expert care.
- Expert staff: Children can feel stressed and anxious when visiting the dentist. Our staff is expertly trained to put children of all ages at ease with being at the dentist. We are also equipped to deal with special needs patients.
- Comforting office: Our bright and cheerful dental office provides the perfect atmosphere to put children at ease. We provide entertaining games and videos to occupy kids while they wait to receive their dental care.
How Young Can Can My Child Be To Visit A Pediatric Dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends that children as young as 6 months old begin seeing a pediatric dentist, or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Infant oral care is something that is often overlooked by new parents. Identifying and correcting congenital abnormalities is something that can benefit your child at a very young age.
Parents frequently overlook the fact that a Pediatric Dentist is there for them just as much as their child! A Pediatric Dentist can answer questions parents have about their childs oral development. A pediatric dentists office is often ideally suited for impatient children who require some stimulation.
Frequently parents are waiting along side their child. We find parents are elated to see our Woodbridge dental office. We provides games, toys, videos and books to keep children entertained.
Are Teenagers Too Old For Pediatric Dentistry?
Our practice sees teenagers of all ages. Typically children will have moved onto an adult dentist by the time they reach the age of 18 years old. A general dentist will be better suited both atmospherically and medically to deal with adult dental issues.
However, since our dental practice sees patients of all ages, your child may opt to want to stay with a dentist they’ve come to know and trust over the years which is very common.
How Do We Know When It’s Time To Make The Transition?
Every kid is different. There may come a time when your child tells you on their own that they are ready to see an adult dentist. It’s important to have the conversation as they reach their later teen years and see if they are still comfortable with seeing a pediatric dentist. It’s all about your child’s comfort level.
With dental offices in Burke, Woodbridge, Dale City and we certainly try to make it convenient for parents and children to get to the dentist. Convenience aside though, a pediatric dental office can be a busy place, after all there are lots of little kids there!
Your teen might express the desire to go to a different dentist as they reach a certain maturity age. It’s normal, you should expect that at some point, your child may express a desire to go to a different dentist.
Pediatric Dentistry At Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
No matter the age of your child, their dental care and comfort comes first. We want to be your dental care provider for your entire family. If at some point your child wants to see another dentist – feel comfortable knowing that we want to ease the transition.
Once you’ve selected another dental care provider, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help transfer any dental records and xrays that your child’s new dentist might need.
As your family dentist, we are invested in your child’s dental care. We want to make certain that they continue to receive outstanding dental care. Our doors are always open and we welcome you anytime you wish to return.