As a parent, you know that the teenage years come with unique challenges like body changes and personal maturity development. One aspect that should not be overlooked is oral health! While your teen may feel like they’re ready to visit a general dentist, that may not always be the right move for them. Continue reading to learn how a pediatric dentist can still help your teenager with their smile.
Tailored Approach to Dental Needs
Pediatric dentists specialize in the unique dental needs of children and teenagers. With their expertise, they understand the specific challenges and changes that come with adolescence. This includes addressing orthodontic concerns and guiding wisdom teeth development. A pediatric dentist tailors their approach to the evolving oral health needs of your teenager.
Guiding Orthodontic Care
The teenage years are often when the need for orthodontics rears its head. A pediatric dentist can assess your teen’s dental alignment and guide you on whether something like braces is needed. Early detection of orthodontic issues allows for a quick transition to and from braces or other treatments offered by orthodontists.
Teach and Encourage Good Hygiene
Teens are at a critical stage where the habits they form (or don’t) can have a lasting impact. Visiting a pediatric dentist encourages the establishment of healthy oral care routines early on. They can educate your teen on proper hygiene techniques as well as the effects of diet on oral health. In this way, a pediatric dentist helps instill habits that contribute to a lifetime of good dental health.
Educate Teens on Specific Dental Challenges
Teenagers face specific dental challenges, such as wisdom teeth eruption and susceptibility to cavities due to diet and lifestyle choices. A pediatric dentist educates both teens and parents about these challenges, offering guidance on preventive treatments and habits.
Adolescence is a time of change, and teens may have questions or concerns about their oral health. It’s a critical time for their oral health development, and a pediatric dentist has specialized training to help them. From tailored care to preventive education, the benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist during adolescence go far beyond the teenage years, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele has been a top-notch pediatric dentist for over 30 years. She enjoys working with her patients of all ages and teaching them how to care for their smiles. Dr. Linda earned her dental doctorate from the Texas A&M Health Science Center at Dallas School of Dentistry and then underwent a pediatric dentistry residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. With a wealth of experience, she’s able to help children and teens live their best lives through dentistry. Call (972) 640-7432 to schedule an appointment for your teen at Linda A. Steele, DDS or visit the website to learn more.