At New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on meeting your child’s needs at every developmental stage. We are honored to guide your children from toddlers to teens, providing vital education and safeguarding their oral health along the way.
Kids' dental exams change over time, but the basics stay the same. We adapt our routines and procedures to match your child’s age range and individual needs. In this article, we share the elements unique to each stage as well as the routine components for all ages.
Preschool Dental Exams
We enjoy working with preschoolers. Bright, curious, and enthusiastic, they are at the ideal age to develop a warm and friendly relationship with their dentist and hygienist. With preschoolers, we try to make the exam as fun and engaging as possible to help your child learn to trust the dentist and view the procedure positively.
With preschool and younger children, we educate parents on the fine points of caring for their child’s teeth. We recommend that adults help children brush and floss until they are well into elementary school.
If young children feel uneasy in the dentist’s chair, pediatric dentists have a unique skill set for soothing and distracting patients so the exam can continue. Our goal is to complete an exam and cleaning with a happy, relaxed young patient.
We introduce routine fluoride treatments during the preschool years. We use a varnish that hardens on contact with saliva for the safest, most efficient results.
Elementary School
In elementary school, we focus on teaching kids how to care for their own oral health. We explain the reasons why dental issues happen and how children can take action by practicing excellent oral hygiene. We explain everything we do, satisfying children’s natural curiosity and leaving plenty of time to answer questions from budding minds.
During elementary school, we introduce X-rays and dental sealants. X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool that allows your child’s dentist to detect hidden issues and treat them before they become severe. Dental sealants are a safe material applied to the deep grooves in your child’s permanent molars, preventing many cases of tooth decay.
We also begin interceptive orthodontics for children with potential tooth alignment or jaw development issues. Interceptive orthodontics can be as simple as placing a space maintainer to prevent shifting when a neighboring tooth falls out too soon, or as complex as removing primary teeth to allow the permanent teeth to erupt properly.
Teen Dental Exams
When your teen visits a pediatric dental practice, we provide the same level of compassionate care we did when they were small children. However, we approach oral health proactively. We help teens understand that their lifestyle choices, like regular brushing and flossing, attending all scheduled appointments, and taking proper care of any orthodontic appliances they may have, are vital to their lifelong oral health. We work directly with trusted orthodontists in our area to refer patients who may need their care.
The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry for Kids of All Ages
When you bring your child to a pediatric dentist, you can be assured we will provide the best possible care for their smile while respecting their developmental needs. From toddlers to teens going off to college, we tailor our care to your child. Please get in touch to schedule your child’s appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids’ Dental Exams
How often should my child receive a dental exam?
We recommend that most of our patients receive an exam every six months starting in early toddlerhood. This schedule depends on your child’s risk factors for tooth decay and other issues. We may need to see certain children more frequently, especially if they have factors like thumb sucking or early tooth decay.
Why shouldn’t my preschooler brush their own teeth?
Preschoolers are learning to brush their own teeth, but their fine motor skills and ability to follow complex directions mean that they should have help. If you don’t help your young child brush and floss, they'll likely miss spots and be at higher risk of tooth decay.
What makes digital X-rays special?
Digital X-rays use a small fraction of the radiation of film X-rays from decades past, and they also offer distinct treatment advantages. Digital scans show far more detail than film, enabling us to zoom in and see tiny changes in your child’s teeth. Also, the sensors used in place of film are smaller in the mouth and easier on your child.
How important is a healthy diet for my child’s teeth?
A nutritious diet is one of the main contributing factors to oral health for patients of all ages. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of nutrient-dense foods. Replace sugary and starchy snacks with crunchy fruits and vegetables for optimum oral health. If you have a sugary or starchy treat, brush and floss afterward. Be careful with acidic foods like sour candies, which can cause cavities.
What should I do to prepare my child for the dentist?
If you feel anxious about the dentist, try not to share that with your child. Help your child see dental care in a positive light. We recommend books, videos, and pretend play to help your child become accustomed to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the dental office. Use age-appropriate explanations. Never tell your child that the dentist will be upset with them for eating a certain food or not brushing their teeth on time.
Our team at New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry looks forward to meeting your child. We want to help you ensure that your child grows up with a bright, healthy smile and a positive attitude toward dentistry. Please contact us today to schedule your child’s exam and support their ongoing oral health and wellness.