Why Choose Meadow Park Family Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids?
- Active Member of the American Dental Association
- Evening and Saturday Appointments Available
- Dentist with 10+ Years of Experience
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids Important?
Many adults mistakenly believe there’s no need to be concerned about their child’s primary teeth developing issues because they eventually fall out anyway. However, problems like tooth decay and gum disease can cause discomfort and detract from your little one’s overall oral health.
For example, cavities are contagious and can spread to neighboring teeth, your child’s jawbone, or adult teeth as they form. This leads to conditions, like weakened enamel, that require more complex and costly treatments to repair. Meanwhile, investing in consistent appointments earlier on can safeguard your kid’s smile and teach them the value of proper preventive care.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup for Kids
Although it can vary slightly depending on your child’s unique circumstances, you can typically expect the following to occur during their checkup:
- Updating medical history. We’ll need to list your family’s medical history and note any prescriptions or supplements your child takes to avoid doing anything that could interfere with their general health.
- Next, we’ll examine your child’s teeth, gums, bite alignment, and any existing dental work, such as tooth-colored fillings.
- Soft-tissue screening. We typically also perform an oral cancer screening to prevent this rare but dangerous disease.
- We’ll take X-rays at least once annually to see beneath their teeth and gums for a comprehensive look at their oral health.
- Treatment plan. If we find signs of tooth decay or gum disease, we’ll provide treatment suggestions and walk you through the details before proceeding.
- Q&A. You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about your child’s condition, recommended treatments, and how to improve their at-home dental hygiene routine.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning for Kids
Even if your child brushes and flosses their teeth twice daily, there are areas they might miss that are difficult to see or reach. For instance, many kids struggle to keep their molars clean because reaching all the way back into their mouths with their toothbrush or floss can be challenging.
Our team provides professional cleanings to boost their dental health and make it more resistant to potential problems. First, our team gently scrapes away plaque and tartar buildup from their teeth and gumline using specially designed instruments. Then, they polish their teeth to remove bacteria and surface stains before thoroughly flossing between them.
Finally, we might also recommend topical fluoride treatments to mineralize their enamel and combat tooth decay to complete their visit!
