Dental exams are an essential complement to dental cleanings and play a crucial role in maintaining your child’s oral health. These preventive visits allow our pediatric dental team to monitor your child’s teeth and gums, identify any potential issues early, and ensure they receive the necessary care for optimal oral health.
Book OnlineWhat Do Dental Exams Involve?
During your child’s dental exam, our pediatric dentist and team will clean their teeth, check for signs of potential issues, and take X-rays to get a complete view of their oral health. We may also apply fluoride treatment or dental sealants to help protect their teeth from cavities. For younger children, we’ll take the time to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
As your child grows, their oral health needs will change. For older children and teenagers, the dental exam will include the same services mentioned above, with the addition of discussions on oral health risks, such as tobacco use, or any other concerns your child may be facing. We’ll also evaluate the development of their teeth and bite as part of a pre-orthodontic screening to determine if and when orthodontic treatment may be necessary.
How Often Should Children Receive Dental Exams?
We recommend that children have a dental exam at least once every six months. Depending on your child’s specific needs, our pediatric dentist may suggest more frequent visits.
Pediatric exams should begin within six months of your baby’s first tooth erupting, or no later than their first birthday. We strongly encourage you to bring your child in for this first visit, as early dental visits significantly improve long-term oral health. For infants between 6 months and 1 year of age, the exam will include special checks such as:
- Assessing for baby bottle tooth decay
- Monitoring pacifier use and finger-sucking habits
- Demonstrating how to clean your child’s gums and other oral care techniques
- Discussing fluoride use and how to incorporate it into your baby’s diet