Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your child's mouth and teeth affects every part of their body. While daily at-home brushing and flossing will help maintain your child's smile looking its best, a thorough examination and cleaning at the dentist are vital. To maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, the American Dental Association advises taking your child to the dentist every six months.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings allow your child to:- Stop gum disease, teeth decay, and foul breath.
- Refrain from invasive and expensive dental operations.
- Reduce food and drink stains to have whiter teeth.
- Reducing the amount of time spent at the dentist's office
- Possess a smile that will never fade.
The Exam
The dentist will carefully inspect your child's teeth and gums during the examination to look for any indications of gum disease, tooth decay, or other health issues. To view what's going on beneath the gums and teeth's surface, the dentist might also wish to take X-rays. The images from these X-rays, whether they be digital or traditional, will assist the dentist in finding oral problems that are invisible to the human eye.
Professional Cleanings
The dental hygienist will begin your child's cleaning by inspecting the surface of the teeth to look for cavities and evaluate the condition of any fillings that may already be in place. The dental hygienist will next do a periodontal examination to confirm that there is no bone loss or periodontal disease present and that your child's gums are securely attached to their teeth.
Next, the hygienist will then use a range of tools to gently clean your child's teeth in order to remove any hard mineral deposits (tartar). The dental hygienist will then floss your child's teeth, apply fluoride, and use a polishing substance. Although teeth cleanings normally don't hurt, make sure the hygienist knows if your youngster is nervous about the examination. To guarantee your child's comfort, they might provide a variety of sedative alternatives. The dentist or hygienist will discuss with you the need to modify your child's brushing and flossing routine if they discover tooth decay or gum disease. In extreme circumstances, they might suggest antibiotics or further dental procedures.
Your child's dentist will likely advise you to keep on with their regular brushing and flossing regimen if the child's teeth and gums seem healthy.
