In this blog from All Kids Dental Of Suffolk, we explain dental milestones for your child as they enter the adolescent years.
Age 12-13: Molar Eruption
At around 12 or 13 years old, when molars appear, all of your child’s permanent adult teeth will be in. Depending on their dental structure, they may need attention to certain issues such as overlapping, overcrowding, or an incorrect bite that can be treated with braces. Generally, braces are placed on children around the ages of 12 to 13, although some dentists may suggest an orthodontic consultation as early as seven. Teenagers are known for having poor dietary habits, so as a parent it is important to teach them the connection between their dental health and overall health.
Continue Regular, Twice-A-Year Dentist’s Visits
During the pre-teen and teen years, adolescents start to become more independent and make their own choices when it comes to their diets and regular habits. Even as they may choose soda, snacks, and junk food, they should care for their dental health by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
It is also important for these young patients to have an orthodontic screening to identify any potential issues that might require braces or other oral appliances. Regular visits to the dentist, twice a year, are essential for keeping your child’s teeth healthy. During these visits, the dentist can review the overall health of your child’s teeth and create a personalized plan if necessary.
Orthodontic Treatment
If your child has jaw issues, crooked teeth, or misaligned teeth, it may be that they could benefit from braces. Fortunately, if your child does need braces, the adolescent years are the best time for orthodontic treatment. At this young age, the jawbone is still developing, making it simpler to shift teeth and resolve issues with the bite, compared to treating an adult’s teeth. The age of your child is a factor to consider when deciding when to get braces, however, some children may mature more slowly than others, including how long it takes for their permanent teeth to emerge. Most orthodontists suggest that a child should be at least 7 years old before beginning orthodontic treatment, with the ideal age range falling between 11 and 14 years old. Only a dentist can decide if your child will need orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Joe and Dr Brett would be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
Late Teens: Wisdom Teeth
By the time your child reaches their late teens, they should have almost all their adult teeth. This is also the period when their third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, start to come in. To prevent overcrowding, jaw pain, and other problems, it’s usually recommended that adolescents get their wisdom teeth removed. We recommend that your teen comes in for x-rays during their regular biannual cleaning so that we can monitor the development of their wisdom teeth. Should they start to grow in a way that is causing issues, we will suggest they get the wisdom teeth taken out.
All Kids Dental Is The Best Choice For Your Child’s Smile
If you are searching for the best dental care for your children in Suffolk and the surrounding Virginia neighborhoods, look no further than All Kids Dental. All Kids Dental has the expertise to live up to its name and make all kids feel comfortable and show off healthy smiles. From infant exams, to tooth-colored fillings and sedation dentistry, to creating an individualized dental plan for children with special needs, All Kids Dental can do it all. For pediatric dental expertise, call and schedule a visit with Dr. Joe and Dr. Brett today!
