The Difference Between Childhood and Adult Dentistry

The basics of dental care for children and adults 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 important concerning dental care.

However, why does one need to know the difference between pediatric and adult dentistry? What makes both important, and when does one make the transition into the other?

How Pediatric and Adult Dentistry Differ

Although the oral health routine is similar, jaws and teeth will develop at varying rates across different age groups. There are also procedures that only adults are recommended to get. These make the focus of pediatric and adult dentistry different. Here is a comparison 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. Children’s bodies are continuously growing. The pediatric dentist’s task is to ensure that their teeth and gums do not develop problems.

This preventive care ensures the foundation for healthy teeth and gums starts from an early age. These dentists are also responsible for teaching children proper oral hygiene. 

Treatment and Procedures

Procedures vary depending on the patient’s age. The leaders of childrens dentistry Lethbridge recommend bi-annual checkups. The dentist will ensure teeth are cleaned, and various treatments can be recommended. Here are some of the usual ones.

Fluoride and Dental Sealants

Younger children’s teeth are more prone to cavities due to thinner enamel. The dentist may recommend 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 monitor baby 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 concerns. Dentists can prevent any problem from escalating with interceptive action as early as possible. For a pediatric dentist Abbotsford area, you may look for reliable ones online.

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. Therefore, the focus of adult dental care shifts largely to maintenance.

Even though oral hygiene is impeccable, a lot of adult dental concerns depend on habits. Adults may develop a taste for food and drinks, or even tobacco, that can affect teeth and gum health.

Treatment and Procedures

During bi-annual checkups, dentists check overall health and usually perform x-rays. The dentist recommends necessary treatments focused on repairing or restoring damaged oral structures. Some treatments are also recommended to perfect one’s smile.

Restorative Treatments

These treatments may include dental crowns, dentures, or bridges. Those that require 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, why not do a quick online search for topics like “oral surgery Oakville“?

Cosmetic Treatments

Such treatments may include veneers, teeth reshaping, and anything that can help bring out the best smile one can have. Cosmetic treatments are not restricted to adults and may be done to kids’ teeth. However, waiting until adulthood is better to protect the enamel and ensure that the bone structure has reached maturity.