Just like cleanings and exams for adults, pediatric cleanings and exams are fairly straightforward. Your child’s dental hygienist or dentist will clean their teeth and gums, then their dentist will carefully examine their mouth and any x-rays to look for potential issues with your child’s oral health or development.
You’ll have the opportunity during this visit to speak with your child’s dentist about what to expect during the various stages of their oral development, like when their teeth will be erupting, falling out, then erupting again as adult teeth. We will discuss proper techniques for at-home oral care and hygiene for different age groups, and even talk about nutrition and diet, and how it’s related to your child’s developing oral health.
Digital x-rays are fast, high-resolution images that capture your child’s jaw and tooth health. X-rays will only be recommended if your child’s dentist thinks they are necessary. For most cases, x-rays are taken every few years, however, your child’s dentist may recommend more if your child is at high risk for oral disease.
Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. This treatment is usually recommended specifically for cavity-prone rear teeth.
Even children need oral cancer screenings! This is an essential part of preventive care that can be performed quickly, safely, and usually without your child noticing.
During the screening, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and oral tissues. They’ll look for discolored patches, lumps, growths, and other similar abnormalities. In the rare case that an issue is found, a biopsy may be taken and sent to a specialist for further analysis, or the dentist will refer you to a specialist directly.
Scheduling a dental visit every 6 months allows your child’s dentist to address any issues before they become larger problems.
When your child experiences a dental emergency, every moment counts. Providing them with timely care can accelerate their healing process and, most importantly, get them out of pain. Toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, and other issues can cause your child discomfort and interfere with their school performance, sports, and other activities. Unsure if your little one is experiencing a dental emergency? Don't hesitate to give us a call right away. Our team will help you figure out the severity of their issue, guide you through at-home care, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible, so your child can get back to being a kid.
