Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Waterford, PA
Protect Your Child’s Still-Developing Smile
You might not think cavities in your kid’s baby teeth are a big deal because they’ll eventually fall out to make room for their adult ones to arrive. However, common oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease can impact their jawbone and permanent teeth before they’ve erupted.
As a result, the American Dental Association recommends scheduling routine appointments with a pediatric dentist every six months to prevent potential problems. Thankfully, Dr. DiBenedetto can protect your child’s still-developing smile with regular dental checkups and cleanings. Continue reading to learn more about what happens during these visits, and feel free to contact us for additional information.
Why Choose Son Shine Pediatric Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Advanced Technology to Improve Patient Comfort
- Family-Friendly Environment to Ease Anxiety
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important for Kids?
Many people assume that if they don’t notice any immediate concerns with their child’s teeth or gums their mouths must be healthy. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. It’s possible for them to develop gingivitis or cavities and be unaware, even if they brush and floss twice daily.
Consistent appointments allow our team to monitor your kid’s condition so we can catch and treat any problems, like thinning enamel, before they worsen. Furthermore, it strengthens their teeth and gums so they’re more resistant to potential problems, preventing the need for more complex and costly treatments later on.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Dental Checkup
Establishing expectations for your upcoming visit can help you and your child feel more comfortable and confident about it. Although it might vary slightly based on your unique circumstances, typically a dental checkup includes:
- Updating medical history. Our team will list any changes in your family’s recent medical history and note any current medications or supplements your kid is taking to avoid recommending treatments that might interfere.
- Examination. We’ll carefully check your child’s teeth and gums for signs of issues, and typically include a visual soft tissue screening for oral cancer to catch this rare but dangerous condition before it can progress.
- We take images at least once annually to see below the surface of your little one’s gums to address any issues.
- Treatment plan. If we find any problem areas, we’ll suggest appropriate solutions and walk you through the details for your approval before proceeding.
- Q & A. You and your child will have a chance to ask any questions you might have about their dental condition, recommended procedures, or at-home dental hygiene routine.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Dental Cleaning
After completing your kid’s examination, our team will thoroughly clean their teeth and gums to send them home with a smile that sparkles. Usually, we begin by removing stubborn plaque and tartar using special dental instruments that can clear buildup from between their teeth and along their gumline.
Then, we’ll brush and floss their teeth thoroughly, carefully reaching into the pockets of their gums to remove bacteria gathered there. This reduces their vulnerability to periodontal problems, tooth decay, and even bad breath. We often also offer a topical fluoride treatment to reinforce their enamel before polishing their grin until it gleams.