What Happens During a Pediatric Dental Exam?

Kids should undergo pediatric dental exams at least every six months. These exams are an important part of preventative dental health care. According to studies, about 42 percent of kids aged between two and 11 years have dental cavities.

Of course, diet plays a role when it comes to the number of cavities a child gets. However, your little one’s dental hygiene habits can play a huge role as well. Has your child had a dental examination yet? If not, you should consider taking them to a pediatric dentist near you as soon as possible.

Do Toddlers Need to See a Dentist?

Even if your little one only has a few teeth, they will benefit from a pediatric dental exam. This is especially important as kids’ primary teeth develop and they start to learn how to clean and take care of their teeth.

Pediatric dental examinations are an important part of healthy, beautiful teeth and optimal oral health. As a parent, you want your child to learn about oral care and dental hygiene as early as possible. This will help them start practicing good oral hygiene habits sooner.

What to Expect at a Pediatric Dental Exam

During the examination, the pediatric hygienist or dentist will clean your child’s teeth. They will also evaluate your little one’s risk of developing tooth decay. The dental examination may also include the application of fluoride or a sealant to minimize the likelihood of tooth decay. A dental exam for kids might also include other diagnostic procedures such as X-rays.

Your pediatric dentist should also discuss your child’s oral hygiene habits and diet. They should also demonstrate how to brush and floss your child’s teeth properly. Other topics of discussion might include the risks associated with the use of tobacco, how to prevent oral injuries, oral piercings, and more.

The pediatric dentist will also assess the growth and development of your child’s teeth and oral tissues. If dental plaque is present on your little one’s teeth, the dentist will clean them with a soft toothbrush. The pediatric dentist may also apply topical fluoride on your child’s teeth depending on their risk for tooth decay.

After the Dental Exam

Following the dental exam, the pediatric dentist will likely give you useful tips and recommendations regarding the following:

• Oral hygiene and diet.
• Teething and tooth development.
• Effective ways to prevent trauma to your child’s teeth.
• The right way to use fluoride.
• How to prevent cavities.

This is a good time to get answers to any questions or concerns you might have. Based on your little one’s oral health status and risk factors, the dentist will recommend a follow-up visit. Most pediatric dentists recommend routine evaluations every six months.

When to Take Your Child for a Dental Exam

Various factors will determine how frequently you need to take your child for dental exams. These include dental health, age, and the risk of tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should schedule your child’s first dental exam when their first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday.

If you have a toddler, school-aged child, or adolescent, you need to schedule regular dental exams every six months. However, your pediatric
dentist might recommend more frequent or fewer appointments. This will depend on your child’s oral health risk factors.

To learn more about pediatric dental exams, visit Reaves Dental at our office in New Hartford, New York. You can call 315-736-0139 today to schedule an appointment.