4 Questions About Age and Kids’ Dental Care

Adults know they need to see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning, but what about kids? Many new parents are unsure when their baby should see a dentist for the first time or when their growing high schooler should switch to a general dentist.

Below are the answers to these questions and more.

1. When should a child start seeing a dentist regularly?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a child’s first dental appointment be scheduled when their first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. 

This may seem quite young, as many children don’t see a dentist for the first time until they are between three and five, despite AAPD guidelines. However, putting off dental appointments even just a few years can negatively impact your child’s oral health.

Studies support the idea that children who miss the one-year mark are more likely to have cavities because the most common reasons for an initial dental visit are symptoms of tooth decay—either visible caries or toothaches.

Establishing regular six-month visits with a pediatric dentist beginning no later than one year of age sets up your child for long-term optimal oral health.

2. How long can my child continue seeing a pediatric dentist?

The pediatric dental care age limit varies, based on your child’s needs. By the time many children are 12 years old, they are ready to graduate to the care of a general or family dentist. Other children may have needs that make it tricky to transition until later on. Some with special healthcare needs even stay with us until they are 16 or 18 years old.

If your child is 10 or 11 now, you may want to give them a heads up that graduation day is coming in a couple of years! Let them know they are growing up and can transition to a family dentist in a year or two. And remember that while some kids experience feelings of nostalgia about the dentists they love or even some anxiety about a new dentist, others view this as a symbol of growing up and look forward to seeing a “big people’s” dentist like their parents do.

For those who aren’t ready to make the step up at age 12, particularly patients with special healthcare needs who may not understand why the change needs to happen, don’t worry. We will work with you to come up with the best solution for your child’s needs. We are always available to help parents and caregivers in any way we can, including keeping your child on as our patient for a longer period of time. Because we see many children with unique needs age out of pediatric care, we also offer recommendations for experienced dentists who will welcome your teen and guide them through the transition.

Once your tween or teen transitions to their new dentist, their pediatric dentist will transfer their dental history. They may also reach out to the new dentist to share any important information regarding active oral health issues that need to be resolved, such as wisdom teeth that are due to be removed soon.

3. What are the benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist?

It’s normal for parents to wonder why a pediatric dentist is necessary when their child eventually has to stop seeing one. After all, there are family dentists who accept children of all ages and general dentists who accept teens.

Dedicated pediatric dentists have a greater knowledge of dental care for children and teens who are still in the development stage when compared with family or general dentists. They receive additional schooling and training in diagnosing and treating children and working with children with dental anxiety or special needs. Pediatric dentists also partner with your child’s pediatrician and other healthcare specialists to provide a more thorough, comprehensive approach to your child’s overall medical and dental health.

Children and teens who see a pediatric dentist regularly during their first 18 years of life may also feel more comfortable and confident with dentists as adults. They often prioritize dental visits as they take over their healthcare needs, especially if their parents encouraged excellent dental care habits at home during childhood and adolescence.

4. How often do kids need to see a pediatric dentist?

Children and teens should visit their pediatric dentist for routine checkups and cleanings every six months, just like adults. This six-month schedule typically starts at their first appointment, although it may change based on your child’s individual oral health needs. For example, if your child’s dentist is monitoring a cavity, or your child is prone to excessive plaque build-up, more frequent visits may be recommended.

Another unique advantage pediatric dentists offer is the ability for parents to bring in their children for Happy Visits, a sort of meet-and-greet visit without a formal examination. These no-pressure appointments are great for kids. They meet the dentist and their team initially, but they are also a great way to help children with dental phobia.

Children with a dental phobia or special needs who only see a dentist twice a year may build up a lot of anxiety, stress, or fear due to the infrequency of their appointments. Happy Visits can be used between checkups to help children learn that dental visits can be fun.

Comprehensive Dental Care From Infancy to Adolescence 

Parents in the Greater Nebraska area can find their child’s dental home at one of our many locations. We have gentle and experienced pediatric dentists in Omaha, Grand Island, North Platte, and Hastings, NE.

Schedule a visit for your child today by calling your preferred location or using this handy online booking form.