Dental Exam & Cleaning
Wichita, KS
 Regular dental exams are an essential part of preventive dental care for children.
As part of regular exams at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we will clean your child's teeth, and evaluate their risk for tooth decay. One of our pediatric dentists may apply dental sealants or provide fluoride treatments to prevent decay. A dental exam may also include x-rays and other diagnostic procedures.
More information is provided below, or you can call our Wichita, KS office to schedule - or to ask any further questions you may have.
What Happens During a Dental Exam for Kids?
The dental exam will depend on the child's age and the type of treatment needed.
Children between the ages of six months and one year may be placed on a table or chair by the dentist or hygienist, or even placed on your lap.
Your child's dentist or hygienist will evaluate your child's oral hygiene, remove deposits, demonstrate proper brushing techniques, and assess fluoride needs.
Your child will receive similar treatments as an adult, but the dentist may take x-rays, repair cavities, apply dental sealants, and check for orthodontic issues.
What We Look at During the First Exam
Many things will be evaluated at your child's first dental exam. These include, but are not limited to:
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General health/growth
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Tooth/dental pain
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Soft tissues of the face
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Joints that move the jaws and mouth
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Gums and soft tissues inside the mouth
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Oral hygiene and gum health
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Teeth and bone
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Biting characteristics and alignment of teeth
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Risk for cavities
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Behavior of child
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Based upon the visual examination of your child, we may take digital x-rays of the teeth and mouth. |
The most common period between exams is six months; however, some children may require examination and preventive care more frequently. If this is a benefit for your child, the team at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry will discuss it with you.
How Do I Prepare My Child for Their First Dental Visit?
Before setting up your child's initial dental examination, it's crucial to consider whether you'll feel comfortable going to a family dentist or a pediatric dentist.
Infants through teens need to receive specialized oral and dental treatment from pediatric dentists. Dentists at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry specialize in treating children in a kid-friendly offices with child-specific tools.
You must carefully plan the visit, be encouraging, and pay attention to your child when taking him or her to the dentist.
Dental exams should be scheduled when the patient is at ease and most willing to participate. Avoid using terms like "hurt," "pain" or "injections" while discussing the dental checkup with your child.
It is best to let your child know that we will use specialized equipment to check the condition of his or her teeth. Never talk to your child about any unpleasant dental experiences you may have had. Talk about your child's concerns and encourage them to visit us at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry.
Your Child's First Teeth Cleaning: What to Expect
The goal of your child's initial dentist appointment is to ensure their comfort. The first dental appointment should be scheduled no later than six months after the first tooth erupts. Most initial visits take between 30 and 45 minutes.
A thorough examination of your child's teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues may be performed during the visit. Plaque, tartar, and stains are removed, and teeth are polished.
The dentist could demonstrate home cleaning techniques for you and your child, such as flossing, and suggest fluoride. X-rays are infrequently done since baby teeth fall out.
Depending on your child's age, the dentist may advise x-rays to detect decay. X-rays can also show whether an adult tooth is being harmed by a baby tooth root that has been impacted. Dental x-rays for young children should only be taken when absolutely required.
How Often Should Kids Get Their Teeth Cleaned?
It is recommended that children receive a dental cleaning and checkup every six months, just as adults do. After the eruption of the first tooth or around the time of the child's first birthday, children should begin visiting the dentist.
How Important Are Teeth Cleanings for Kids?
A combination of at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits will ensure that your child's teeth and gums remain healthy and strong. For optimal dental health, routine professional cleanings are necessary regardless of how consistently you or your child brush and floss.
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At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry we strive to make your child's dental visit fun, so they will look forward to the next one. Contact us by calling (316) 202-9629 if you have any questions or to schedule your child's teeth cleaning. |
