As parents, we wonder when our teens should switch to an adult dentist. It is a common question that arises as our children grow and their adult teeth start coming in. Even though teenagers are no longer children, their oral health is still influenced by ongoing changes in their mouths, faces, and jaw. That's where our experienced pediatric dentists in Brampton come in. At Dentistry on Dusk, we understand your concerns. We say yes! Teens should definitely continue to see their pediatric dentist. The pediatric dentists in our Brampton clinic are trained to address the unique needs of adolescents. From teaching them proper oral hygiene to offering orthodontic services for teeth-crowding, we can best take care of their dental needs. Here, we discuss why it is important for your teen to keep seeing a pediatric dentist.

Reasons Why Your Teen Should Keep Visiting Their Pediatric Dentist in Brampton

Teenagers should continue to visit their pediatric dentist. Here we explain why. They Continue Growing Through Their Teen Years Young people go through significant physical growth and development during their teen years. While their baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth, their jaw and face continue to grow and change. Their pediatric dentist is well aware of this ongoing growth and is trained to monitor and address these changes. For example, consider a scenario where your teenager's jaw is still growing but their permanent teeth are erupting at a faster rate, causing overcrowding. A pediatric dentist can identify this issue early on and recommend appropriate orthodontic treatment to ensure proper alignment and prevent future complications. By closely monitoring the growth and changes in your teen’s mouth, their pediatric dentist can provide timely interventions and guide the development of a healthy smile. Moreover, the growth of the face and jaw can impact the position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If a teenager's jaw growth is not in sync with the rest of their facial development, it can lead to TMJ disorders and related symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty moving their jaw. Pediatric dentists are trained to recognize such signs and can suggest suitable treatment options or refer the patient to a specialist. The mouth finishes growing and developing between the ages of 18 and 22. By continuing to see their pediatric dentist through these years, young people can benefit from the specialized knowledge and expertise of their dental professional. Pediatric dentists understand the unique dental needs of adolescents and are equipped to provide comprehensive care during this crucial phase of growth. Orthodontic Services May Be Required During the teenage years,orthodontic treatmentbecomes a common consideration for many children. Besides tooth crowding, several other dental issues may require orthodontic services for teenagers. These include:

1. Malocclusion:  This refers to a misalignment of teeth and jaws that can cause functional and aesthetic concerns. This includes issues like an open bite (when the upper and lower teeth don't meet when biting down), a deep bite (excessive overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth), or a crossbite (when some teeth are closer to the cheek or tongue instead of in their normal position). Orthodontic treatment can help correct these malocclusions and improve both the function and appearance of the smile.
2. Protruding Teeth:  Some teenagers may have front teeth that stick out prominently, which can be a source of self-consciousness and increase the risk of dental injuries. Orthodontic intervention can help bring these teeth into proper alignment and reduce the risk of accidents or trauma to the teeth.
3. Jaw Misalignment:  In some cases, a teenager's upper and lower jaws may not align correctly, leading to an uneven bite or facial asymmetry. Orthodontic treatment, in conjunction with the guidance of an orthodontist, can help correct these jaw discrepancies and improve the face’s overall balance and harmony.
4. Speech Difficulties:  Dental issues such as misaligned teeth or jaws can contribute to speech problems. Some teenagers may experience difficulties pronouncing certain sounds or have a lisp. Orthodontic treatment can help address these issues by aligning the teeth and jaws properly, allowing for clearer speech and improved confidence.

Our pediatric dentists have the expertise to diagnose these problems early on and determine the appropriate course of treatment. We work closely with orthodontists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for our young patients. Wisdom Teeth Issues in Young Adults Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually erupt during the late teens or early 20s. Unfortunately, their arrival brings trouble. These teeth at the back of the mouth can cause discomfort, overcrowding, and even tooth decay. Keeping them clean is a challenge, leading to the growth of harmful bacteria and potential cavities and gum problems. That's where pediatric dentists come in. They have the expertise to identify any issues that may arise with wisdom teeth. For instance, if your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or affecting the alignment of other teeth, your teen’s pediatric dentist can recommend appropriate treatments. These include pain management, orthodontic intervention, and extraction. By visiting a pediatric dentist regularly, young adults can address wisdom tooth problems early and maintain good oral health. At Dentistry on Dusk in Brampton, our skilled team specializes in providing personalized care to manage wisdom tooth concerns. Responsibility and Independence During the teenage years, adolescents are transitioning towards independence and taking responsibility for their well-being. At Dentistry on Dusk, we recognize the importance of guiding teens through this crucial phase, not only in terms of their overall health but also in their dental care. One aspect we focus on is empowering teens to make informed choices about their oral health. We help them make healthy nutritional choices, which not only benefit their general well-being but also contribute to strong teeth and gums. For example, we educate them about the harmful effects of excessive consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, which can lead to tooth decay. Teens often engage in physical activities like sports that pose risks to their dental health. We emphasize the importance of using protective gear, such as mouthguards, to prevent injuries to the teeth and jaw. By raising awareness about these risks, we help teens prioritize their dental safety. Once your teen reaches 18, we may recommend transitioning to a general or adult dentist. By this point, teeth have typically finished growing. Continuing with a pediatric dentist during the teen years brings numerous benefits. Pediatric dentists understand the ongoing growth and changes in teenage mouths, ensuring appropriate monitoring and timely interventions. Additionally, for teenagers who require dental implants due to tooth loss or other dental conditions, pediatric dentists can provide guidance and referrals to specialists. By prioritizing specialized care, teens can maintain optimal oral health and prepare for a seamless transition to adult dentistry when the time is right.   At Dentistry on Dusk in Brampton, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized dental care for teenagers, including guidance on dental implants when necessary. Our welcoming atmosphere and compassionate staff ensure a positive experience for everyone. Take the first step in securing your teen's oral health by scheduling an appointment at Dentistry on Dusk today. Call 905-453-7777 and give your teen the dental care they deserve!