At Summit Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that maintaining a healthy smile starts with regular dental exams and cleanings. These visits are a crucial part of your child’s overall health, helping to ensure that their teeth and gums are in great shape as they grow. Whether your child is coming in for their first dental check-up or a routine cleaning, our team is here to make the experience as comfortable and positive as possible. We want every patient to feel that they are the “star” of the show when they are in the dentist’s chair. Our team encourages questions and offers tips on caring for their smile at home between regular visits.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Dental Exam
A pediatric dental exam is a comprehensive check-up of your child’s teeth and gums. It’s designed to monitor the development of their teeth, spot any potential issues early, and provide guidance on keeping their mouth healthy. Here’s what will happen during a typical exam:
-
Review of Medical History: During your child’s first visit and at each follow-up, we’ll review their medical history. This helps us understand any health concerns that could affect their dental care, such as allergies, medications, or previous dental treatments.
-
Dental Examination: Dr. Mathew will carefully examine your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. Our team will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other issues like misalignment or bite problems. For younger children, we may also check for proper development of their baby teeth and assess any signs of teething discomfort.
-
Digital X-rays (as recommended by the American Dental Association): At Summit Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that maintaining a healthy smile starts with regular dental exams and cleanings. Depending on your child’s age and our need for evaluation, they may need dental X-rays. The American Dental Association recommends dental x-rays as part of your child’s ongoing dental care to monitor for dental concerns, disease, and decay. These are safe and help us see problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth, issues with developing teeth, or infections in the bone. Depending on your child’s needs, X-rays are typically taken every 6 to 12 months. Complete panoramic and bite-wing x-rays are recommended every 3 years to monitor development.
- Discussion and Recommendations: After the exam, the dentist will discuss the findings with you. They’ll explain the health of your child’s teeth and provide recommendations for any treatment or improvements to their oral hygiene routine. This is a great time to ask questions about brushing, flossing, and any concerns you may have about your child’s dental health.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and buildup from your child’s teeth. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach areas, and tartar can form over time. A professional cleaning ensures that your child’s teeth are as clean as possible and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Here’s what happens during a cleaning:
-
Teeth Cleaning: Our dental care team will use special tools to gently remove plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth. These tools are designed to be safe and effective, getting into places where regular brushing can’t reach, like between teeth and along the gumline.
-
Polishing: After the cleaning, we will polish your child’s teeth with a special paste. This helps remove any remaining plaque and makes their teeth feel smooth and clean. Polishing also helps prevent plaque buildup in the future.
-
Fluoride Treatment (as recommended by the American Dental Association): After the cleaning, your child may receive a fluoride treatment. Per the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations, Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protects against cavities. It’s an easy and quick treatment that can make a big difference in your child’s oral health.
Benefits of Pediatric Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings offer many benefits for your child’s oral health and overall wellness. Here are some of the key reasons why these visits are so important:
-
Early Detection of Dental Problems: Regular exams allow us to detect dental issues early, such as cavities, gum disease, or alignment problems. Catching these issues early means they can be treated before they become more serious or painful. Early treatment also helps to avoid costly or complicated procedures later on.
-
Prevent Cavities and Tooth Decay: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities. By regularly cleaning your child’s teeth and applying fluoride treatments, we can help prevent tooth decay and keep their smile healthy. A clean mouth is less likely to develop cavities or other dental problems.
-
Promote Healthy Habits: Pediatric dental exams and cleanings are great opportunities for the dentist to reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene habits. We’ll teach your child the best ways to brush and floss and discuss the foods and drinks that are good or bad for their teeth. Building these habits early helps your child maintain a healthy smile throughout life.
-
Monitor Dental Development: As your child grows, their teeth and mouth develop in unique ways. Regular exams allow the dentist to monitor how their teeth are coming in, identify any developmental concerns, and address issues like thumb-sucking or early signs of orthodontic needs.
-
Boost Your Child’s Confidence: Regular dental care helps your child maintain a bright, healthy smile, which can improve their self-esteem and confidence. When they feel good about their smile, they are more likely to take care of it and enjoy their visits to the dentist.
-
Prevent Gum Disease: Gum disease is a common issue in children and teens. Plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline can lead to gum infections, bleeding, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Regular cleanings help keep your child’s gums healthy and prevent these issues from developing.
Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Dr. Mathew and our dental care team are committed to providing gentle, compassionate dental care for children of all ages. Our team understands that going to the dentist can be a new experience for many children, which is why we focus on making each visit fun, educational, and stress-free. Our pediatric dental exams and cleanings are designed to help your child maintain a healthy smile for life.
If it’s time for your child’s next dental exam and cleaning, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping your child achieve excellent oral health and a beautiful smile!