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3 Differences in Child & Adult Dentistry

As children grow into teenagers, their dentistry requirements change. The baby teeth of infancy fall out and adult teeth replace them. Moreover, they switch from visiting a pediatric dentist to an adult dentist. But what differences can you expect from this shift? Between the ages of 12 and 18, the focus of general dentistry services changes from prevention, education, and childhood habits to maintenance, independence, and mature self-care. 

The dental professionals at Smile Reston Heights provide these general dentistry services to folks from across the Reston, VA, area. Whether pediatric to adult, Smile Reston Heights’ family-oriented services deliver personalized care and top-tier treatments. We can help you and your family enjoy your best smiles! Call us today at (703) 345-1100 or schedule an appointment online now.

Below, we describe a few differences between child and adult dentistry:

Prevention to Maintenance

Preventive treatments are the most salient distinction between adult and pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists aim to preserve developing teeth against decay and avoid dental operations as much as possible. Thus, they facilitate the normal growth of children’s teeth, gums, and jaws through fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

When adults visit our office, we focus on maintaining their teeth unless we discover particular issues. When problems do occur, adults may also receive fluoride treatments or dental sealants. We may also consider restorative services—including fillings, crowns, root canals, and veneer—though they cannot replace healthy habits and hygiene.

Education to Independence

With young patients, we seek to not only prevent dental problems but also educate them for a lifetime of excellent dental health. We ensure that they understand the importance of oral hygiene. Nonetheless, parents must make sure their children brush and floss regularly and receive frequent dental exams.

Adults, too, must develop healthy habits. The majority of adults are aware that they must brush and floss their teeth twice a day to maintain oral health and avoid decay. Nevertheless, they also have the choice to take care of their teeth or neglect their oral hygiene. So, adult dental care relies heavily on good habits. 

Candy to Coffee

Although parents may prevent their children from consuming candy and soda anytime they want, sugar remains a large contributor to cavities among pre-teens. If a child consumes a lot of sugary foods and drinks while neglecting their teeth, they may have some long, costly visits to the dentist’s office.

Yet, as patients grow older, other behaviors contribute to dental problems: coffee, tea, and wine consumption. If adults don’t brush regularly, such drinks can discolor their teeth. An adult patient may choose to have teeth whitening procedures performed if this occurs, though we keep these things in mind during general adult dentistry appointments.

Smile Reston Heights: Professional General Dentistry in Reston, VA

General Dentistry Services in Reston VA

Smile Reston Heights is happy to provide general dentistry services to its patients throughout Reston, VA. We are a full-service dental office and provide other services like cosmetic services, restorative treatments, and orthodontics as well. For a healthy mouth and beautiful smile, schedule an appointment today at (703) 345-1100.

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