Our team at New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry prioritizes kids' dental exams as one of the key elements of preventive care. Even if you were proud to discover that your child had no cavities at their previous dental visit, a regular exam schedule has benefits that go far beyond tooth decay.
In this article, we will explain in detail why pediatric dental exams are vital for your child’s oral and overall health, even if they do not currently have tooth decay.
Why Kids’ Dental Exams Are Vital to Their Oral Health
Evaluate Oral Development
A pediatric dentist checks not only the teeth, but also evaluates your child’s general oral development. We can see a great deal from an examination alone, but when a child is ready for X-rays, we can also see what is happening beneath the surface. Missing or misaligned baby teeth or permanent teeth could be hiding under the gums. In this case, early orthodontic evaluation may be necessary to protect your child’s smile.
Screen for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer, while very rare, does occur in some pediatric patients. Oral cancer screenings are extremely important for both yourself and your child. The signs can be subtle, and dentists receive extensive training to identify them. The prognosis for oral cancer is better the earlier it is detected.
Check for Hidden Signs of Decay
When you see your child’s brilliant smile, you may believe that they do not need dental care to keep it bright and intact. Your child’s teeth may appear healthy on the surface, but hidden issues could emerge without warning. A consistent preventive care schedule will allow us to check for hidden trouble signs that parents are not trained to detect. For example, tiny brown or white spots on your child’s teeth could indicate the beginnings of tooth decay.
Prevent Gum Disease
Even young children can develop gum disease when oral hygiene is not a priority. Gum disease occurs when plaque and food stay on the teeth for too long, hardening into a substance called tartar or calculus. Tartar releases bacterial waste products that break down the teeth and gums, causing increasing irritation and infection. If you notice that your child’s gums consistently bleed when brushing or flossing, consult us immediately for help.
Provide Vital Hygiene Instruction–including when parents assist in home care
Our dentists and hygienists can instruct both parents and children on the fine points of oral hygiene. This education is particularly crucial when a child has orthodontic appliances or is prone to gum disease or tooth decay.
Support Your Child’s Lifelong Oral and Overall Health with Dental Exams
Researchers associate dental conditions like gum disease with adverse health outcomes later in life. The simple step of taking your child to the dentist regularly can help them avoid future problems and protect their oral and overall health for a lifetime. We want to be your partner in ensuring your child has a bright, sparkling smile. Call us today to schedule your child’s visit!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids’ Dental Exams
What happens during a kids’ dental exam?
A children’s dental exam is much like an adult exam. Your child’s hygienist gently “counts” the teeth, checking each for proper eruption and potential signs of decay. They use a tiny mirror to view all tooth surfaces. Most children’s dental exams include a gentle cleaning using child-sized tools to remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces. Finally, the dentist performs an expert check and looks for signs of oral cancer or other potential problems.
When should my child receive their first dental exam?
We abide by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation that your child make their first visit by age 1, or six months after the first tooth erupts: whichever event comes first. Taking your baby to the dentist may seem daunting, but you can rest assured that we can gently examine your child and help familiarize them with the sights and sounds of our office.
When do you start taking X-rays of my child’s teeth?
Typically, we wait until approximately 5 years old, but we may take earlier scans if we suspect possible decay or developmental issues below the gumline. X-rays are safe for children as young as toddlers, but we generally take a conservative approach to limit any potential risk to your child.
How should I care for my child’s teeth at home?
Home oral hygiene is a major determining factor in whether your child will enjoy good oral health for a lifetime. Ensure that you follow our instructions on brushing, flossing, and which products to use for best results. In general, you should plan to brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. You can start flossing as soon as the child’s teeth start to touch.
Brush and floss for your child until they are at least 7 years old, depending on their fine motor skills and maturity level. Supervise brushing until your child is about 9 years old or can be relied on not to swallow products containing fluoride.
If my child complains of tooth pain, what should I do?
If it is a dull toothache that does not interfere with your child eating or relaxing, call and schedule an appointment for a business day. However, if your child has a severe toothache, call us immediately, including after hours. Tooth pain could have multiple causes, and it is vital to obtain care before the situation gets worse.
Our team at New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry believes in the power of preventive dentistry to keep kids’ smiles looking and feeling their best. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child’s dental exam and help them along their path to a lifetime of great oral health.