Dental Exams and Cleanings

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your child’s teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of the entire body. While routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your youngster’s smile looking its best, visiting a dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.

The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months to ensure their teeth stay healthy and smile remains beautiful. By routinely seeing our office for exams and cleanings, your son or daughter can:

• Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
• Avoid costly and extensive dental procedures
• Have white teeth by reducing staining from food and drinks
• Shorten the time spent in the dentist’s office
• Possess a smile that lasts a lifetime

The Exam

During your child’s exam, Dr. Remya or Dr. Josh will thoroughly examine the teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. The dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums.

Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help our team discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Professional Cleanings

The dental hygienist will begin your child’s cleaning by exploring the surface of the teeth to determine if there are any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your son or daughter’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.

Next, the hygienist will carefully clean your child’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Then the hygienist will floss your little one’s teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.

Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your youngster has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let us know. We can offer several sedation options to ensure your child’s comfort.

If the dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your child’s brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your child’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, the doctor will probably recommend that your son or daughter continue brushing and flossing as usual.