Parents in Fargo have two main options when it comes to the dental care of their children: a pediatric dentist, who works specifically with children, or a general dentist, who also cares for other members of the household.
What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat infants, young children, and adolescents. They employ special dental tools created for smaller mouth sizes. Some pediatric dentists have training in child psychology, which can help children feel comfortable during treatment. General dentists, on the other hand, use the standard tools and techniques that apply to adult patients.
When should your child transition from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist? There is no right answer! Every case is different. Some parents transition their child to a general dentist as soon as all their permanent teeth come in. Other parents keep their child at the pediatric dentist stage until they reach their late teens.
Does your teen feel comfortable at a pediatric dental practice?
When a child transitions into teenage life, they often feel uncomfortable at a pediatric dental practice. This is especially true if the office space is geared toward toddlers and pre-teens. In this case, the teen may choose the right time to transition to a general dentist.
The most vital element is comfort. If the child feels they are too old to see a pediatric dentist, they likely are, and it’s time to switch to a general dentist.
Understanding your child’s oral health needs.
Designer Smiles in Fargo ND is ready, willing, and able to address this transition in adolescent dental needs. Our knowledgable team is happy to treat your child through their teen years, making sure to prioritize their comfort and security. In an effort to maintain their oral health, we employ only the most advanced dental technology in order to give them the dental security they need.
What dental issues should I be watching for during adolescence?
It is important to pay attention to your child’s nutrition. As children become more independent, they start making their own food choices. Walk by any middle or high school during lunchtime. What do you see? Children drinking everything from sodas to energy drinks. During their elementary school years, most children probably drank milk at lunch. When it comes to oral health, the difference between the two is staggering. It is crucial to make sure your child is receiving enough calcium, in order to keep their teeth strong. Vaping and smoking are similarly detrimental habits, and they take a toll on physical and dental health. Unfortunately, they are as common among teens as sugary drinks.
Your dentist is an essential member of your teen’s healthcare team.
Your dentist is the bridge between your teen’s lifestyle habits and their oral health. We know this at Designer Smiles, and we believe in an informational approach. Through our perspective, we can help your teen understand how their diet and lifestyle impacts their teeth. If your teenager struggles with an eating disorder, we can address related dental issues. If your teen is undergoing orthodontic treatment, a time when it is notoriously difficult to keep teeth clean, we can monitor their teeth closely to make sure they stay free of decay.
Regardless of when you transition your teen to a general dentist, there are a few key items to always remember: make sure they see a dentist at least twice a year, continue to monitor their oral hygiene practices, set a good example by practicing good oral hygiene yourself, avoid destructive habits, and employ safety measures, such as making sure they wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports.
The team at Designer Smiles in Fargo ND has been serving families in the Fargo area since 1996. We value the relationships we have developed with our patients and their families. If you are looking for an experienced, caring family and general dentist in Fargo, request an appointment today!
Contact Designer Smiles:
701-298-9400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104
