Pediatric and Adult Dentistry: A Quick Comparison
The fundamentals of dental care for kids and grownups are the same. Everybody must brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day from childhood to adulthood. Flossing at least once a day is likewise advised to prevent cavities. Diet is likewise 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 transition into the other?
How Pediatric and Adult Dentistry Differ
The oral health regimen is similar, but jaws and teeth will develop at differing rates across various age groups. There are likewise procedures that only grownups are recommended to get. These make the focus of pediatric and adult dentistry different. Here is a comparison to highlight the value of both.
Dental Care for Children
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the natural development of teeth, gums, and bones from primary to permanent teeth. Children’s bodies are constantly growing. The pediatric dentist’s task is to guarantee 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
Treatments vary depending on the patient’s age. During children’s bi-annual examinations, the dentist will ensure teeth are cleaned up and might advise various treatments. Here are a few of the usual ones.
Fluoride and Dental Sealants
Because younger children’s teeth have thinner enamel, they are more susceptible 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 expensive dental procedures in the future. If you need one, why not do an online search, such as “pediatric dentist Windsor,” to see one nearest you?
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 suggest braces or aligners if there are orthopedic issues. There is no age limitation to the treatment. Still, dentists can prevent any problem from escalating with interceptive action as early as possible.
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 anticipated to last the duration of an individual’s lifetime. The focus of adult dental care shifts mostly to maintenance.
Although oral hygiene is impeccable, some factors may affect the teeth. A dentist in Red Deer would agree that a great deal of adult dental issues depend upon habits. Adults may develop a taste for food and drinks, or perhaps tobacco, that can affect teeth and gum health.
Treatment and Procedures
Dentists examine general dental health during bi-annual checkups and carry out x-rays. The dentist advises needed 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. The sedation dentistry Saskatoon dentists’ practice allows patients to go through procedures without any anxiety and pain.
Cosmetic Treatments
Such treatments may include veneers, teeth reshaping, and anything that can help bring out the very best smile one can have. Cosmetic treatments are not restricted to grownups and may be done to kids’ teeth. It is much better to wait for adulthood to protect the enamel and when the bone structure has reached maturity.
