Expectations during Pediatric Dental Cleanings and Exams
Dental cleanings and exams for children are essential every six months. During the exams, a pediatric dentist examines your child’s teeth and takes x-rays of their mouth. A registered hygienist will clean your child’s teeth and apply fluoride treatments or recommend dental sealants to protect their teeth from tooth decay. They also discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques with younger children during your visit for dental cleanings and exams near you with your child.
As children grow up, changes are needed to their oral care. However, older children and teenagers receive the same services as mentioned above during dental cleanings and exams. Additionally, pediatric dentists discuss the adverse oral and overall health risks associated with tobacco and substance abuse.
Children and Adolescents Preventive Treatment Options
Preventive dentistry aims to prevent oral health issues by keeping the teeth strong for a lifetime. In addition, preventive treatments protect children from developing infections like cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
During dental exams, the kid’s dentist near you includes various preventive treatments, including:
In-Office Teeth Cleanings
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash helps remove most plaque buildup but removing all the bacteria in the mouth with a manual toothbrush is practically impossible. Instead, during in-office teeth cleanings, a registered dental hygienist removes any plaque and tartar buildup on the surfaces of the teeth, between the teeth, and along the gum line.
Fluoride Treatments
The naturally occurring mineral fluoride found in rocks and the soil helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. The pollution-fighting properties of fluoride encouraged the American governing authorities to include trace amounts of fluoride in tap water, toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dental products.
Presently children have access to topical and systemic fluoride treatments. Topical fluoride from dentists is available in the form of gels and varnishes applied by dental hygienists during in-office teeth cleanings. Systemic fluoride is available in pill form and prescribed to fluoride deficient children.
Dental Sealants
Newly erupted molars are primary recipients of dental sealants from the kid’s dentist in Greenwood. Dental sealants protect the molars after application as a thin coating to keep acid, bacteria, and food particles from remaining trapped on the tooth surfaces. Dental sealants are painless and inexpensive, and available for application during your visit to the dentist for pediatric dental cleanings and exams.
Dental Care for Toddlers, Children, and Teenagers
You can find affordable dental cleaning near you for toddlers, children, and teenagers to ensure they receive the help they need when their permanent teeth begin erupting between six and 13. During this stage, children must have established excellent oral hygiene practices. They must also visit a dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. Pediatric dental exams for children in this age group include:
Oral Health Screenings and X-Rays
Dr. John Patangan makes use of x-rays to help diagnose disease or damage invisible to the naked eye during a regular dental exam. X-rays help detect dental health conditions like cavities and gum disease early. X-rays aren’t necessary every six months unless your child is at a higher risk of dental infections.
Cavity Restorations
If your child develops a cavity, the pediatric dentist sets up another appointment for restoring the tooth. The severity of the hole determines the kind of restorative treatment your child receives, and options include silver amalgam fillings, tooth-colored composite fillings, or stainless steel crowns. Avoiding restorative treatments from the pediatric dentist isn’t beneficial because it can make you susceptible to taking your child to the emergency pediatric dentist in Greenwood for treatments far invasive than restorations.
Pre-orthodontic Treatment Recommendations
If an adolescent has misaligned or crooked teeth, they may need orthodontic treatment after all their permanent teeth have emerged. The treatment options may include orthodontic braces or clear aligners. Many times orthodontists intervene before the permanent teeth appear. Pediatric dentists recommend orthodontic consultations by age seven to evaluate the child’s mouth much before all the permanent teeth erupt.
Pediatric dental cleanings and exams are a preventive procedure helping your child develop stronger teeth besides an excellent dental hygiene routine. Do not consider these appointments as minor because they prevent the need for expensive dental treatments that may impact your child’s dental health and smile throughout their lives. Instead, look forward to the appointments to save yourself unnecessary trouble and expenses for issues like cavities and gum disease in your child’s mouth.