What You Should Know About a Pediatric Dental Exam?

A pediatric dental exam is an important step in preventing tooth decay and other oral health issues. It will also help the dentist provide advice on how to care for your child’s teeth at home.

Dental exams can also identify alignment issues like overcrowding or gaps and guide proper jaw development. The earlier these issues are spotted the more likely your child is to avoid invasive treatments, including root canals and extractions.

Exam

A pediatric dental exam Glasgow KY is a specialized check-up that’s designed to keep kids’ teeth and gums healthy. During these visits, dentists can identify and treat dental problems like tooth decay or misalignment before they become more serious, saving kids both pain and money.

A typical oral examination starts with a cleaning from a hygienist who uses special tools to remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that’s a leading cause of tooth decay. Then, they’ll apply a fluoride treatment or sealant to help minimize the risk of cavities.

Next, the dentist will evaluate your child’s bite and jaw development, looking for signs of trouble like overcrowding or gaps in teeth. They might also recommend dental X-rays, which allow them to see hidden issues like cavities between teeth or impacted teeth. They’ll discuss your child’s diet, eating habits, and oral hygiene routine to help them develop good dental practices from a young age. These will set them up for a lifetime of great oral health.

Cleaning

The next part of a pediatric dental exam involves the dentist or hygienist cleaning your child’s teeth. They will use various tools to remove plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and cavities if left untreated.

The hygienist will also floss your child’s teeth and apply fluoride, which helps strengthen their teeth. They may also give you and your child personalized advice about brushing techniques, flossing methods, diet choices, and other things that can affect oral health.

The hygienist will usually finish the appointment by performing a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) screening, which checks for problems like jaw pain, limited mouth opening, and clicking sounds. This part of the exam is important because it can help identify issues before they develop into serious problems.

X-rays

X-rays offer a view of your child’s mouth that is invisible to the naked eye, providing valuable information about their developing teeth and jawbone. Depending on their age, dental experts typically recommend X-rays every 6-12 months (amount depends on cavity history and risk factors) to monitor growth and development and catch potential issues before they become serious.

Detecting cavities between teeth: X-rays can reveal tiny cracks and cavities that are difficult to see with the eye, particularly in the pits and grooves of teeth where plaque and tartar often hide. Identifying impacted or extra teeth: X-rays can help your pediatric dentist determine if an impacted tooth is growing in properly, which may require intervention from an orthodontist.

X-rays use a very low level of radiation, which is significantly less than the amount of natural background radiation to which we are exposed each day. To ensure your child’s safety, our office uses digital X-rays that have 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays and we take precautions to minimize exposure with lead aprons and thyroid shields.

Treatment

During your child’s dental exam, the pediatric dentist will carefully examine their mouth and look for signs of tooth decay or other oral issues. X-rays may also be taken to help visualize specific areas of the mouth. While X-rays aren’t necessary for every dental checkup, the dentist will inform you if they think your child needs them.

If a cavity is detected, the dentist will recommend a filling to repair the damaged tooth and protect it from further damage. A tooth extraction or crown is another treatment option for a badly damaged tooth.

It’s essential to establish a good oral health routine for children early on to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems as they grow older. A pediatric dental exam Glasgow KY is an important part of this process, and can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. The pediatric dentist can discuss the best home dental care practices with you and your child during their appointment.