Children’s teeth develop and grow fairly rapidly, so it is important to take them to a kid friendly dentist in Richmond every six months. Doing so allows the dentist to catch any potentially damaging changes early on and correct or prevent oral issues. At what age is it appropriate to switch a child to a kid friendly dentist? What are some reasons dentists prohibit children of certain ages? Here are some guidelines to help determine the best ages to take children to a kid friendly dentist.
Rather than scheduling a child’s appointment to the dentist based on the age of the child, it is best to plan a visit around the age of the child’s teeth. Most kid friendly dentists prefer to see children over the age of 11 years old. This is because before a child has reached that age, primary teeth may still be present, and any permanent teeth may not have had sufficient time to calcify. According to the American Dental Association, calcification of the third molars does not even begin until a child is between seven and ten years old. The enamel on the molar crowns will be complete by the age of seven or eight, but the roots will not be complete until between the ages of nine and sixteen. Each child’s teeth will develop differently. After a child’s permanent teeth have erupted and have time to calcify is the best time to change the dental provider to a kid friendly dentist in Richmond.
Many dentists choose to get additional schooling in order to accept younger patients and treat them properly.
A dentist usually has additional training and education to work on the primary teeth of children. Primary teeth can present special challenges and require unique tools in order to properly treat issues. Also, because children are growing, the structure of their mouths and jaws change rapidly and can necessitate a dentist with specialized schooling. This means not all kid friendly dentists are equipped to treat children under the age of 11 or whose primary teeth have not all fallen out. Children with special needs may also benefit from visiting a kid friendly dentist with advanced training.
When deciding on a dentist for an older child, it is ideal to find one who has experience with children and the knowledge and skills necessary to properly care for young teeth. This type of dentist is typically better at interacting with children and making them feel as comfortable as possible during the visit. It can be wise to wait until a child is at least 11 years old before taking them to a kid friendly dentist to avoid behavioral issues.
A kid friendly dentist in Richmond should treat most children over the age of 11 as long as the primary teeth are no longer present unless there are extenuating circumstances. Schedule an appointment based on the development of a child’s teeth rather than age. Make sure a dentist has experience treating children to help ensure a positive experience for the child.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Seeking the help of a kids dentist to maintain your child’s oral health is a serious responsibility. As a parent, you must ensure that your child’s dentist will be able to care for your child’s general well-being. Knowing what your dentist can do for your child is a motivator to bring your child in for…
Finding the right kids dentist is important for protecting your child's oral health future. In addition to finding a skilled pediatric dentist who can build a solid rapport with your child, the location and convenience are also important. We hope this simple guide to finding a kids dentist near you simplifies your search.A kids dentist…
Regular appointments with your kids dentist can give your child a great start when it comes to oral health. Statistics show that only about 51.4% of children have regular dental checks at least once each year. Finding proper dental care for kids is extremely difficult. But asking the following questions can help you know your…
Dental bonding for kids can support small cosmetic repairs and minor tooth defects, but it does not replace the role of a traditional filling when a cavity extends deeper into the tooth. Pediatric dental care focuses on protecting enamel, supporting healthy development, and keeping treatment comfortable for growing patients. Clear guidance helps families understand why…
Seeking the help of a kids dentist to maintain your child’s oral health is a serious responsibility. As a parent, you must ensure that your child’s dentist will be able to care for your child’s general well-being. Knowing what your dentist can do for your child is a motivator to bring your child in for…
Finding the right kids dentist is important for protecting your child's oral health future. In addition to finding a skilled pediatric dentist who can build a solid rapport with your child, the location and convenience are also important. We hope this simple guide to finding a kids dentist near you simplifies your search.A kids dentist…