Exam and Cleaning for Children in Glendale
You can keep your child’s smile healthy! Regular dental exams and cleanings for children can make the difference between dental health and problems and issues now and down the road. Dental exams and cleanings for children should be scheduled every six months. During this appointment, a dental hygienist will clean the child’s teeth with a professional brush.
Professional fluoride treatments can also help keep children’s mouths healthy. Dental hygienists may apply a topical fluoride treatment, which is a gel. Systemic fluoride is a pill that is prescribed to kids who are fluoride-deficient.
A pediatric dentist will take X-rays, and examine a child’s teeth and gums to see if there are any cavities, structural problems, or signs of gum disease.
A pediatric dentist also uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the child’s teeth and between teeth.
Between 6 and 13 years of age, baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth grow in. During this stage, it is important for children to establish good oral hygiene practices.
Children will be taught proper brushing and flossing to prevent gum disease and keep their teeth strong. When children get older, pediatric dentists may discuss the oral health risks of tobacco and substance abuse.
If needed, and with the parent’s consent, a pediatric dentist may also apply dental sealants – thin plastic protective coating -- to baby teeth and/or permanent teeth to protect against cavities. The coating helps protect tooth surfaces from acid, bacteria, and food particles.
Pediatric dental exams should start within six months after a baby’s first tooth, which is usually between six months and one year. That may sound early to some parents, but they should keep in mind that babies are exposed to sugar in the milk they drink.
Help your children’s oral health today by scheduling regular exams and cleanings. This will save them pain and you money. Please call our child-friendly office today. Our dentist will clean and examine your kid’s teeth, explain their dental conditions, and make recommendations.
