Regular dental exams are the foundation of good oral health. This is because they allow us to closely monitor your child’s oral health and development to identify and correct potential problems early on. Not only that, but regular dental exams for your child helps them to become familiar with visiting the dentist, which leads to better oral health habits as an adult. Carr Pediatric Dentistry offers comprehensive pediatric dental exams that include:
- Examining the teeth for signs of decay, damage, or wear
- Examining the gums for signs of gum disease or recession
- Checking the alignment of the bite
- Performing dental x-rays to evaluate the underlying bone structure, check for cavities, and monitor the growth of your child’s teeth and jaw
- Providing oral health education and oral hygiene instruction
- Answering any and all questions you have about your child’s oral health
Additionally, Carr Pediatric Dentistry provides oral hygiene instruction on topics such as:
- How to properly brush
- How to properly floss
- What type of toothpaste is best for your child
- How much toothpaste your child should be using
- What type of toothbrush is best for your child
- When to use mouthwash
Did You Know?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist every six months to significantly improve your oral health and decrease the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should my child start having dental exams?
The ADA recommends that your child should have their first dental appointment when their first tooth erupts and before their first birthday. From that point forward, it is recommended to schedule regular dental exams every six months. Call our office today to schedule your child’s dental appointment.
What should my child expect during a dental exam at Carr Pediatric Dentistry?
At Carr Pediatric Dentistry, we do everything that we can to ensure your child has a positive dental experience. Our dentists are passionate about their work and are specialists in making dentistry fun for kids. With that being said, we do offer sedation options for children who can benefit from additional relaxation.
Before your child’s appointment, it may be helpful to explain what is going to happen so your child knows what to expect. During your child’s dental exam, their pediatric dentist will use a dental explorer tool, mirror, and light to look at your child’s teeth and gums. They may gently poke each tooth to check for signs of decay, but this does not hurt.
Dental x-rays will also likely be taken, especially if your child is a new patient. In order to obtain dental x-rays of your child’s teeth, they will be asked to bite down or hold their mouth in certain positions. Dental x-rays are painless and only take a few minutes. After obtaining the images, your child’s pediatric dentist will go over them with you and your child.
Do I need to have my child follow any special instructions in between appointments?
In between dental appointments, it is important to keep your child practicing good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Depending on your child’s individual needs, their pediatric dentist may provide additional directions to follow in between appointments.
