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, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your child’s smile looking its best, visiting the dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your child visits the dentist every six months to ensure his or her teeth stay healthy and smile stays beautiful.
By routinely seeing the dentist 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
The Exam
During your child’s exam, the dentist will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. The dentist may also want to take X-rays, and will determine based on the child's age and need. The digital images will help the dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Professional Cleanings
Your child will be introduced to our dental tools gently with fun names. We will carefully clean your child’s teeth with the tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. We will floss your child’s teeth and use a polishing paste. If your child has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let the team know. If the dentist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about treatment options and also provide instruction on changing your child’s brushing or flossing habits. If your child’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.
