Mastering the Routine: Pediatric Dental Exams & Cleanings

Good oral health is important for your child’s overall health and well-being — and it takes a collaborative effort of parents and pediatric dentists to ensure good oral health and help children establish a good routine that will last a lifetime. 

Taking your child to their regular dental checkups and cleanings will help them avoid up to 80% of potential cavities and also help them establish a routine of good oral care. Another benefit to getting into a routine of seeing the dentist regularly is helping your child become accustomed to the dental environment, which will reduce their anxiety about dental visits in the future. 

Read on to learn about routine pediatric dental exams and where to find the best kids’ dentist in Palo Alto. 

What Happens During a Pediatric Dental Exam? 

The two major focuses of a pediatric dental exam are identifying potential problems and taking steps to prevent future dental issues. 

The first thing you can expect is for your child’s dentist to thoroughly check your child’s teeth for signs of dental issues, including: 

• Early stages of tooth decay
• Advanced tooth decay, also known as cavities
• Gum issues, like gingivitis or periodontitis
• Tartar or plaque build-up
• Orthodontic issues like crowded teeth, missing teeth, gapped teeth, overbite, or underbite

In addition to a thorough visual inspection, your child’s dentist will perform dental X-rays to examine the roots and internal structures of your child’s teeth and to see any potential problems with the adult teeth forming in the gums. 

Based on your child’s dental exam, their dentist will recommend restorative treatments like non-invasive laser dentistry to repair cavities, preventative dental care like dental sealants, which can prevent tooth decay, or early orthodontics to avoid the future need for braces.

The second portion of your child’s routine dental visit will include cleaning and preventative treatments to protect your teeth from future problems. During your child’s dental cleaning, plaque and tartar buildup are removed. Often, fluoride treatments are recommended to help strengthen your child’s tooth enamel.

How Often Should My Child See a Dentist? 

Early dental visits are important for monitoring the development of your child's teeth and gums, ensuring that everything is progressing normally. Your child should have their first dental visit by age one or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. 

Regular dental visits should continue every six months or more often if your child’s dentist recommends. These routine check-ups enable your child’s pediatric dentist to identify and address potential issues before they become more serious and help instill good oral hygiene habits in your child — making them more likely to maintain healthy teeth and gums as they grow older. Additionally, regular visits help children become familiar with the dental office environment, reducing anxiety and making future appointments more comfortable.

How to Prepare Your Child for Dental Visits

Preparing your child for dental visits can significantly ease any anxiety they might feel and help make the experience a positive one. One effective way to do this is by discussing the visit in a friendly and upbeat manner. Explain what will happen during the exam in simple terms that your child can understand, emphasizing that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy and strong. Avoid using negative language that might create fear, such as talking about drilling cavities or getting numbing shots. 

Educational materials like children's books or videos about visiting the dentist can also be very helpful. These resources often feature friendly characters and engaging stories that make the concept of dental care more approachable. 

Fostering Good Oral Health Habits in Between Dental Visits

Creating a daily routine of brushing at least twice and flossing at least once helps remove food particles and plaque, which are the primary causes of tooth decay and gum disease.

Children often need guidance to develop effective brushing and flossing techniques, especially when they are young. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist can help you find effective strategies for helping your child brush and floss properly. This will not only help your child have fewer cavities but also ensure they have lifelong healthy habits.

Where to Find the Best Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto

Ensuring your child receives the best dental care in Palo Alto begins with finding a reputable pediatric dentist who understands the unique needs of young patients. Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry offers modern dental technology and gentle dental techniques that focus on your child’s individual needs. 

Dr. Michelle Haghpanah and Dr. Reena Grover are dedicated to providing high-quality care in a welcoming environment that will alleviate any anxiety your child might have about dental visits and offering invaluable guidance to help you maintain your child’s oral health at home. 

Ready to schedule your child’s next cleaning and checkup with the best dentist for children in Palo Alto?