Why You Need a Pediatric Dentist for Teenager Tooth Troubles

Being a teenager is tough! And taking care of your teeth? Even we parents struggle with taking care of our own oral health. Healthy teeth aren’t always on top of the list of priorities for adolescents – prom, sports, friends, and homework are already a lot to keep track of!

It’s very important to make sure that you and your family have a pediatric dentist that you can rely on to keep an eye on your teen’s oral health in check for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Today, we’re going to talk about seeing pediatric dentists is so important for your teen’s teeth (and what makes them so special!). Let’s go!

Why Your Teen’s Smile Adventure Needs a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentistry isn’t just for baby teeth. Pediatric dentists are specially trained for unique issues that your big and little kids might face as they grow up. This means that even when your child’s permanent teeth erupt, you shouldn’t switch to a general or adult dentist. Young adults still need the help of a pediatric dentist to get happy, healthy adult teeth for a lifetime of bright smiles.

But why? There are tons of reasons why teenage years require you to see a pediatric dentist – and it’s time to break down the three biggest reasons!

Teens (and Their Smiles) Grow Up Fast

From teeth crowding and wisdom teeth impaction to jaw development and even tooth decay, there’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to your teen’s continued growth. As children get older, there are more and more potential issues that can arise with their permanent teeth.

A pediatric dentist is trained to track and evaluate your child and their dental development, and they can recommend orthodontic treatment for tooth crowding, fluoride treatments and dental sealants for keeping teeth strong, referrals for wisdom teeth removal, and preventive care for keeping away cavities and sore gums.

A general dentist won’t have the training to care for these teenage problems, and the timing for recommending dental and orthodontic treatment is crucial for keeping every child’s smile on the right track.

Catch Tooth Decay & Gum Disease ASAP

When your child hits the grand adventure of their teen years, there are a lot of things that will put their adult teeth at a greater risk of cavities and gum disease: sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks; decreased interest in brushing and flossing; less parental guidance and oversight; orthodontic appliances that trap food and sugars. In addition, hormonal shifts even affect how easy it is to care for gums!

Routine dental visits and cleanings are some of the most important reasons to see a pediatric dentist! Teenagers can stop[ tooth decay and periodontal disease in their tracks with the right dental care.

Teenagers Need Special Smile Care

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are so, so important for good oral hygiene and dental needs – but there are tons of special things that your dentist will look for in particular when it comes to your teenager’s dental health. After all, most children (especially in their teen years) are going to get into some kind of trouble that will require special care.

• Contact Sports – Active kids are at an increased risk of injury to their teeth and jaw. Not only can pediatric dentistry protect teeth with mouth guards and preventative care, but they can also make sure any injuries don’t affect your child’s teeth or jaw growth.

• Eating Disorders – If your child develops an eating disorder, it can lead to bleeding gums, malnutrition, bad breath, and damaged chewing surfaces. Beyond seeking professional help with the disorder, your child will need to work closely with a dentist that they trust to focus on dental care that will prevent tooth decay and other problems.

• Problematic Substances – While we try to steer our little ones clear of things that will get them into trouble, some teens and late teens may try experimenting with tobacco and other drugs, which can seriously damage tooth enamel. A pediatric dentist’s checklist includes keeping an eye out for these signs and making sure that your teen won’t have long-term dental issues.

Awesome Oral Health Starts with Pediatric Dentists

Your child may have adult teeth, but it’s not time for an adult dentist just yet! That’s why expert care from a trained pediatric dentist is key to lifelong healthy smiles. If you and your teen are looking for a pediatric dentist in Cullman, AL, then it’s time to meet Dr. Cat and the team at S’more Smiles! From preventive to restorative care, we’ve got all of Cullman’s big and little smiles covered. Make your appointment today!