Children's Exams
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) advises parents to make biannual dental appointments for children, beginning approximately six months after the first tooth emerges.
These two important yearly visits allow a dentist to monitor new developments in the child’s mouth, evaluate changes in the condition of teeth and gums, and continue to advise parents on good oral care strategies.
A dentist may schedule additional visits for children who are particularly susceptible to tooth decay or who show early signs of orthodontic problems.
Why are dental checkups important for children?
Dentists aim to provide a “good dental home” for your child. If a dental emergency does arise, parents can take the child for treatment at a familiar, comfortable location.
Dentist also keep meticulous records of your child’s ongoing dental health and jaw development. In general, painful dental conditions do not arise overnight. If the a dentist understands a child’s dental health history, it becomes easier to anticipate future issues and intervene before they arise.
Dentists are able to educate parents and children during visits. Sometimes the a dentist may want to introduce one or several factors to enhance tooth health--for example, sealants, fluoride supplements, or xylitol. Dentists may ask parents to change their child’s dietary or oral behavior--for example, reducing sugar in the child’s diet, removing an intraoral piercing, or even transitioning the child from sippy cups to adult-sized drinking glasses.
Finally, dental X-rays are often the only way to identify tiny cavities in primary (baby) teeth. Though a child may not be feeling any pain, left unchecked, these tiny cavities can rapidly turn into large cavities, tooth decay, and eventually, childhood periodontal disease.
Are checkups necessary if my child has healthy teeth?
The condition of your child’s teeth can change fairly rapidly. Even if the child’s teeth were evaluated as healthy just six months prior, changes in diet or oral habits (for example, thumb sucking) can quickly render them vulnerable to decay or misalignment.
In addition to visual examinations, the dentists provide thorough dental cleanings during each visit. These cleanings eradicate the plaque and debris that can build up between teeth and in other hard to reach places. Though a good home care routine is especially important, these professional cleanings provide an additional tool to keep smiles healthy.
Dentists are also able to monitor a child’s fluoride levels during routine visits. Oftentimes, a topical fluoride gel or varnish is applied to teeth after the cleaning. Topical fluoride remineralizes the teeth and staunches mineral loss, protecting tooth enamel from oral acid attacks. Some children are also given take-home fluoride supplements (especially those residing in areas where fluoride is not routinely added to the community water supply).
Your dentist may apply dental sealants to the child’s back teeth (molars). This impenetrable liquid plastic substance is brushed onto the molars to seal out harmful debris, bacteria, and acid.
If you have questions or concerns about when to schedule your child’s dental checkups please contact us.
Back