Pediatric and Adult Dentistry: What’s the Difference?
The basics of oral care for children and grownups are the same. Everyone has to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste from childhood to adulthood at least twice a day. Flossing at least once a day is also advised to prevent cavities. Diet is also crucial concerning dental care.
Nevertheless, why does one need to understand the difference between pediatric and adult dentistry? What makes both important, and when does one transition into the other?
How Pediatric and Adult Dentistry Differ
Although oral health routine is similar, the jaws and teeth will develop at differing rates across various age groups. There are also procedures that only grownups are suggested to get. These make the focus of pediatric and adult dentistry different. Here is a contrast to highlight the importance of both.
Dental Care for Children
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the natural development of teeth, gums, and bones from baby teeth to permanent teeth. The pediatric dentist’s task is to ensure that teeth and gums do not develop problems. These dentists are also responsible for teaching kids proper oral hygiene. This preventive care guarantees the foundation for healthy teeth and gums starting from an early age.
Treatment and Procedures
Treatments differ depending on the patient’s age. During children’s bi-annual checkups, the dentist will make sure teeth are cleaned and might suggest various treatments. Here are a few of the common ones.
Fluoride and Dental Sealants
Because younger kids’ teeth have thinner enamel, they are more prone to cavities. The dentist may suggest fluoride treatments and sealants for young patients. These preventive treatments help protect children’s growing teeth from decay and costly dental procedures in the future.
Braces or Aligners
Pediatric dentists keep track of primary teeth until they fall off and check on the eruption and development of permanent teeth. From the ages of 9 to 14, they may recommend braces or aligners if there are orthopedic issues. There is no age limit to the treatment. Still, dentists can prevent any problem from escalating with interceptive action.
Dental Care for Adults
When a patient turns 18, the transition is made. There are 32 or 28 (after wisdom teeth are removed) adult teeth that are expected to last the duration of a person’s lifetime. The focus of adult dental care shifts largely to maintenance.
Even though oral hygiene is impeccable, some factors might affect the teeth. A great deal of adult dental issues depend on habits. Adults may develop a taste for food, drinks, and even tobacco, which can affect teeth and gum health.
Treatment and Procedures
Dentists check overall dental health during bi-annual checkups and typically carry out x-rays. The dentist advises necessary treatments, like the remarkable dental implants Hamilton dentists are proud of, which focus on repairing or restoring damaged oral structures. Some treatments are also advised to perfect one’s smile.
Restorative Treatments
These treatments may include dental crowns, dentures, or bridges. Those that need procedures under sedation include wisdom tooth extractions and dental implants. These treatments ensure that the mouth’s structure is optimal, including gum and bone conditions. If you have questions on procedures, why not do an online search like “wisdom teeth removal Kelowna” to get answers?
Cosmetic Treatments
Cosmetic treatments are not limited to grownups and may be done to kids’ teeth. Nevertheless, it is much better to wait till adulthood to protect the integrity of the enamel and the bone structure has reached maturity. Some great cosmetic work includes the customized dentures Burnaby dentists take pride in. Cosmetic dentistry makes sure the patient walks out of the clinic with the perfect smile.