Pediatric Exams and Cleanings
Preventative care is essential to giving your child healthy teeth and gums. Apart from brushing and flossing daily, the most important part of preventative dental care are regular pediatric dental exams and cleanings.
When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should see the dentist by the time they celebrate their first birthday. As baby teeth begin to erupt, usually between six and twelve months of age, parents should start caring for their child’s teeth and bringing them to the dentist. This prevents significant problems from occurring early and starts good oral hygiene habits from the very beginning.
Most children should visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning, check up, and other preventative treatments. Depending on a child’s specific needs and risk factors, Dr. Stewart might recommend a slightly different appointment schedule.
What to Expect During a Routine Pediatric Dental Exam and Cleaning
At your child’s appointment, we will begin by gathering important information (such as medical and dental histories) and will perform a thorough cleaning and examination. With the information collected, we can then determine an individualized approach to care.
Examination
Dr. Stewart will examine your child’s teeth, mouth, and head/neck tissues, looking for any potential signs of disease, infection, abnormalities, or potential developmental concerns. Regular examinations ensure the early detection and treatment of any potential problems to prevent complications.
Professional Cleaning
A regular appointment includes a professional cleaning. We’ll brush, polish and scale your child’s teeth to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up since his or her last check up.
Fluoride Treatment
Most pediatric exams include a fluoride treatment to protect your child’s teeth against tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are effective in the prevention of cavities because they help to strengthen and remineralize the teeth. After your child’s examination and cleaning, we will evaluate and recommend if a fluoride treatment is right for him or her.
Digital X-Rays
Taking x-rays of your child’s mouth allows Dr. Stewart to monitor the status of your child’s baby teeth and the development of their permanent teeth and jaw bone. X-rays also allow our dentist to detect cavities or infections that might not be visible to the naked eye because they’re located in between the teeth or below the gum line.
Sealants
We recommend applying sealants to molars to help prevent tooth decay.
Education
Throughout each stage of your child’s development, we’ll provide you and your child with information about the best ways to care for his or her teeth.
Schedule an Appointment for Your Child Today!
If your infant’s first tooth has recently erupted or if your child’s due for an exam, we welcome you to establish care with Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Stewart is highly experienced, loves treating children, and provides a comprehensive list of pediatric dental services. For more information about our practice, contact us today.
2.png)
