Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends taking your child for a routine dental checkup and cleaning every six months? This allows their provider to catch and treat any areas of concern before they can progress.
Despite this, an estimated 19% of children haven’t seen their dentist in the past 12 months. If it’s been a while since your kid’s last appointment and you’re unsure what to expect, you might hesitate to schedule their next exam. Continue reading to learn about 4 things that usually happen during these routine appointments so you can set your mind at ease!
Step #1: Update Information
It might vary somewhat based on your unique circumstances, but usually, you can expect your child’s dental team to begin the appointment by updating your family’s medical history. Their main priority is your little one’s oral health, but they want to ensure they don’t offer any treatments or medications that might adversely impact their general well-being.
Step #2: Examination
Next, your pediatric dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth and gums to look for signs of common oral issues, like cavities, gum disease, or injuries. They may also screen the soft tissues of your kid’s mouth for any signs of oral cancer to prevent this potentially life-threatening condition.
Many providers also take X-rays and other scans or images at least once every year to ensure that no problems are developing beneath the surface where they can’t see them.
Step #3: Cleaning
Once your little one’s mouth has been examined, their dental hygienist will professionally clean their teeth to prevent oral issues, polish away surface stains, and freshen their breath.
First, they’ll use special instruments to carefully remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar buildup. Then, they’ll carefully floss your child’s teeth to remove any hidden bacteria from between their teeth or below their gumline. Finally, their teeth will be polished to a shine before continuing with the next step.
Step #4: Treatment Plan
Then, if their dentist found any issues requiring treatment, they’ll recommend appropriate services and walk you through the details for your approval before proceeding. For instance, they might suggest topical fluoride or protective sealants to strengthen weakened enamel or prevent cavities from developing.
It’s natural to want to know what happens during your child’s checkup so you can set healthy expectations before you arrive. If you have any additional questions about what’s involved, you can learn more by contacting your pediatric dentist’s office directly!
About the Practice
Patients at Joliet Pediatric Dentistry benefit from two experts eager to help children build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Hill and Dr. Jackson are passionate about providing a comprehensive menu of services to meet even the most unique needs under one roof, including routine preventive treatments. Their compassionate approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology and a welcoming environment to help kids feel calm and comfortable while they learn the value of proper dental care. You can request an appointment on the website or call (815) 729-2277.