Pediatric Dental Checkups

Why is regular teeth cleaning important?

Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental checkups provide oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues, and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that daily brushing and flossing won’t effectively eliminate.

Teeth cleanings and dental checkups are very important for children to prevent or identify cavities. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 kids ages 5 – 11 have at least one untreated cavity. Cavities left untreated can be painful and cause additional infections. Getting your child’s teeth cleaned every six months will reduce their risk for cavities.

How often should you get dental checkups?

Ideally, dental checkups are performed every six months. Regular dental checkups are used to determine any change in your child’s oral health and keep their teeth and mouth in good shape or maintained appropriately.

The American Dental Association and most dentists recommend six months because the maintenance and cleaning provided at each visit is the best way to ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

How long should kids brush their teeth?

Brushing and flossing are daily habits that children should start as soon as their age permits. Below are some guidelines parents can follow to help get their child on the right track for life-long good oral health habits:

• Kids who don’t have their first tooth yet: Wipe their gums with a clean, soft cloth after feeding in the morning and right before bed.
• Children with their first tooth and those under age 2: Brush their teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and water only—no toothpaste.
• Kids ages 2 – 6: Watch them while they brush for two minutes. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with low fluoride. Ensure they spit out any extra toothpaste and do not swallow it.
• Kids ages 6+: Ensure they brush for two minutes a day, twice a day, using standard fluoride toothpaste.

What are other preventative dental care strategies?

Besides having your child’s teeth cleaned and stains polished off, our comfortable dental cleanings also provide other preventative services, such as:

Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.

Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) — Silver diamine fluoride helps prevent cavities from growing or spreading to other teeth by killing harmful bacteria and then rebuilding natural tooth materials.

Diagnostic X-rays — Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay so that we can treat your child in the least invasive manner before any issues become worse.