PREVENTING PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY START
The health of your child’s teeth and mouth is vital to the well-being of his or her entire body. Though routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your little one’s smile looking its best, visiting our office for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.
The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months to ensure their teeth stay healthy and their smile remains beautiful.
By routinely seeing the All-Star Team at Lake Cities Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for exams and cleanings, we can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Avoid costly and extensive dental procedures
- Enjoy white teeth by reducing staining from food and drinks
- Shorten the time spent in our office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
THE EXAM
During your child’s exam, Dr. Al will thoroughly examine the teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. He may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help us identify dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS
The All-Star Team will begin your child’s cleaning by exploring the surface of the teeth to determine if there are any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. They will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your little one’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.
Next, the All-Star Team will carefully clean your youngster’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Then, the Team will floss your child’s teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your youngster has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let us know. We can offer several sedation options to ensure your child’s comfort. If Dr. Al and All-Star Team find tooth decay or gum disease, we will discuss changing your child’s brushing or flossing habits.
In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your child’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, Dr. Al will likely recommend that the patient continue brushing and flossing as usual.