Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your child’s teeth and mouth is vital to the well-being of his or her entire body. Although routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your son or daughter’s smile looking its best, visiting the dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.
The American Dental Association recommends that your child visit us every six months to ensure his or her teeth stay healthy and smile stays beautiful.
By routinely seeing Dr. Jody or Dr. Christina for exams and cleanings, your little one 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 our office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
The Exam
During the exam, the dentist will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. She may also want to take X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Professional Cleanings
The dental hygienist will begin your child’s cleaning by exploring the surface of the teeth to determine whether there are any cavities, and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your little one’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.
Next, the hygienist will carefully clean your youngster’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Then the hygienist will floss your child’s teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your little one 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 son or daughter’s brushing or flossing habits.
In severe cases, our office may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your child’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, the dentist will probably recommend that your youngster continue his or her brushing and flossing routine as usual.
