Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your child’s teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of his or her entire body. Although routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your child’s smile looking its best, visiting our office for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.
The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months to ensure their teeth stay healthy and smile remains beautiful.
By routinely seeing us for exams and cleanings, your child can:
- Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Avoid costly and extensive dental procedures
- Have white teeth by reducing staining from food and drinks
- Shorten the time spent in the dentist’s office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
During your child’s exam, we will thoroughly examine his or her teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. The dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help our team discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
The dental hygienist will begin your child’s cleaning by exploring the surface of the teeth to determine if there are any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your son or daughter’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.
Next, the hygienist will carefully clean your little one’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Then the hygienist will floss your youngster’s teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your child has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let us know. We may offer several sedation options to ensure your child’s comfort. If the dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your child’s brushing or flossing habits.
In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your youngster’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, the dentist will probably recommend that your child continue his or her brushing and flossing routine as usual.