Are Dental Checkups for Kids Really Necessary?
Regular dental checkups are super important for children of all ages (even babies!).
Dental checkups are part of what we call “preventative dentistry.” This means finding and treating problems before they become bigger issues.
Checkups allow us to see how your child’s teeth are developing. We can see if there is enough space for new teeth to come in and if there are any problems with the permanent teeth.
We also check for any potential issues with their bite or jaw alignment, as well as monitor their risk for gum disease and tooth decay.One of the most important things about dental checkups is it establishes good oral hygiene habits from an early age. When you bring your child to see us, we teach them how to brush and floss their teeth and why looking after our teeth is so important. Establishing these habits early on leads to good habits in adulthood.
What Does a Dental Checkup Involve?
After we have explained the process to your child, the dentist will lay the exam chair down so that they have a good view of the mouth. The exam includes the following steps:
- Perform a visual exam of your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth.
- Take full digital x-rays to identify any hidden problems and to spot any issues with the permanent teeth hidden below the gums.
- Evaluate the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Examine the alignment of the bite and jaw.
What Does the Dentist Look For During a Dental Checkup?
During a dental checkup, we look for:
- Signs of tooth decay or cavities
- Gum health and signs of gum disease
- Proper eruption and development of baby teeth and adult teeth
- Issues with bite alignment or crooked teeth
- Signs of harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking, which may affect dental health
If we see anything concerning during the exam, we will discuss it with you and develop a treatment plan to address any issues. We may suggest some preventative treatment options and give you advice and tips on how your child can improve their oral hygiene habits.
Preventative Treatments
Preventative treatments stop bad bacteria in their tracks🛑! They prevent bacteria from building up and causing problems like tooth decay and gum disease (ouch!).
Dental procedures like fillings and root canals can be costly for you and painful for your child, so it’s better to prevent the problem now rather than treat it later. Here are some common treatments we offer:
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel on teeth, making them more resistant to decay. Fluoride is a treatment that we offer to all our patients because it is an effective way to prevent cavities.
We know that some parents are uncomfortable with fluoride, and we encourage you to speak with us about your concerns. There is a lot of misinformation about fluoride, so it’s important to get the facts straight!
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that cover the chewing surface of molars and premolars to prevent cavities from forming in hard-to-reach areas. This is especially beneficial for children who may struggle with proper brushing techniques or have deep grooves in their teeth that are difficult to clean.
Custom Athletic Mouthguards
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective equipment for children who participate in sports. We can custom-fit a mouthguard for your child to protect their teeth and jaw from injury while playing sports.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment at Park Pediatric Dentistry
The goal of your child’s first visit is simple: to make them comfortable and help them feel excited about their dental care!
Your child can play in our play area where we have TV, kid-friendly furniture, toys and activities. When it’s your turn, our assistant will bring you and your child back for patient intake. We will review their medical and dental history and any questions or concerns you may have.
We will explain what you can expect at the appointment and describe what will happen. We will introduce you to the dentist your child will be seeing and explain what x-rays, if any, will be taken.
We know that bringing your child to the dentist can be a stressful experience for you, the parent or caregiver. We will spend some time with you explaining what you can expect from your child. We provide tips and tricks to help you get the best cooperation from them.
If the first appointment is difficult, don’t worry, it will get better with time! The more often they come, the easier it is. And of course, the older they get, the more cooperative they will be.
When we have finished your intake, an assistant will bring you to the open bay where they will explain the process of the appointment. They will show your child the chair, toothbrush and instruments and will ask them to pick out a toothpaste flavor.
Depending on the age of the child, they will receive dental x-rays, a cleaning, and an exam from the doctor. When the appointment is over, they will get a Park Pediatric Dental balloon, and you will meet with the doctor to talk about the appointment, findings, and treatment recommendations.
Why Do Kids Need Teeth Cleaning?
Even with proper brushing and flossing, it’s still possible for plaque and tartar to build up on your child’s teeth. Regular dental cleanings help remove this buildup, preventing cavities and gum disease (yes, kids can get gum disease😱).
It also gives our dental team the opportunity to spot any potential issues and address them before they become bigger problems.
What Is Involved in a Teeth Cleaning?
A teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is an important part of a dental checkup. Here’s what you can expect during your child’s teeth cleaning:
- Plaque and tartar removal: The dental hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
- Teeth polishing: Teeth are polished to remove any remaining plaque and surface stains.
- Fluoride varnish treatment: A fluoride treatment is applied to help strengthen the enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Our hygienists and dental assistants are very good at what they do! They are gentle and very good at cooperating with wiggly little ones.
🔑Key Takeaway
Regular cleanings and checkups help prevent cavities and gum disease and allow us to identify and address any potential issues before they become bigger problems. Bring your child for a checkup after their first birthday or when they have four or more teeth present.
Remember: The earlier you bring them in, the more likely they are to develop good dental habits and have a positive attitude towards their dental health.
We never want financial restrictions to prevent you from bringing your child in. We accept most commercial insurances and will file claims on your behalf. We also accept state Medicaid plans, including Dentaquest, Envolve and Indiana Medicaid. If you do not have any insurance at all, we offer a highly discounted rate.