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At What Age Should Children Stop Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?

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Smiling teenage girl outdoors on sunny day. Closeup of cute brunette young woman wearing casual clothes.

A pediatric dentist is essential to help treat your child’s evolving oral health needs.

However, many parents go through the same stress of figuring out, “How old is too old?”

Don’t feel anxious about asking these types of questions – we’re here for you, and we understand the confusion.

Yes, we’ll be sad to see your kid go, but there does come an age where most individuals swap to a traditional dentist.

With this question in mind, let’s dive in and discover some answers together.

What is the age range for pediatric dental care?

We are often asked what the right age is to swap to a regular dentist.

It’s a big transition to make! Many children become attached to their pediatric care providers and may feel anxious about seeing a general dentist.

A pediatric dentist typically sees children from 6 months old until their final adult teeth have come in (around ages 12 or 13).

During this time, appropriate orthodontic treatment may be carried out.

Many parents do opt to have their children continue to see a pediatric dentist and orthodontist into their teenage years, but this is purely a matter of preference.

Both a pediatric dentist and a general dentist can provide effective care for teenagers, so your child’s comfort is often the deciding factor.

Are teenagers too old for pediatric dentistry?

Our practice sees teenagers of all ages.

Typically, children will have moved on to an adult dentist or orthodontist by the time they reach the age of 18 years old.

As kids age and reach their teen years, you may wonder if they’ve grown too old for a pediatric dentist. The answer is “no.”

Although teens may not be little kids anymore, they still need to develop healthy habits for healthy smiles.

As children grow, their teeth go through many changes. Most teens continue to experience growth and development of the face and jaw, which a pediatric dentist can monitor.

Continuing to see a pediatric dentist who knows their dental history will allow for personalized care. Most teens require orthodontic screening and evaluation on whether their wisdom teeth require removal, and pediatric dentists are well-equipped to provide that.

Special needs patients

Many pediatric dentists continue to treat special needs patients well into adulthood.

Patients with a wide range of neurological conditions (everything from autism spectrum disorder to anxiety) may benefit from the familiarity of their pediatric dentist.

How do you know when 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 that conversation as they reach their teens. It’s all about your child’s comfort level – no matter what you choose, we’ll be there for their needs.

At The Kidds Place, we will evaluate your child’s needs, behaviors, and overall dental health before recommending a switch to a general dentist.

If you need more advice or want to see how we create a smile to last a lifetime, give us a call today.

The Kidds Place is proud to help kids smile from all over Spokane County, WA.

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Our address & contact details

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Postal Address

506 East Hastings Rd.
Suite B
Spokane WA 99218

Phone & Email

Phone: 509.252.4746
Fax: 509.789.1640

Business Hours

M-W 7:00am - 3:30pm
Thurs 7:00AM - 1:00pm
Fri: By Appointment Only - Surgery Days
Sat & Sun: CLOSED

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