Dental Exam Specialist

What is a dental exam?

A dental exam is a preventive measure that assesses the health of your child’s teeth, gums, tongue, and smile. Many oral health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, present few symptoms in their early stages. Regular checkups can alert you to potential issues when they’re most responsive to treatment. 

Also, a dental exam presents an opportunity to discuss unusual symptoms, ask questions, and educate your child about the importance of good oral hygiene. If your child has trouble sitting still or experiences dental anxiety, the team offers sedation dentistry.

What does a dental exam involve?

At Kids Klub Pediatric Dentistry, a dental exam involves several steps:

Oral exam

During an oral exam, your child’s provider uses a handheld mirror to evaluate the appearance and condition of their teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. If they notice anything unusual, they can order additional testing like digital X-rays or an oral biopsy.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays use small amounts of radiation to provide detailed images of your child’s tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone. The team uses X-rays to detect oral health problems invisible to the naked eye and to help guide certain types of treatment, like oral surgery or orthodontics.

Professional teeth cleaning

During professional teeth cleaning, a member of the team removes plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth. Then, they polish their teeth with gritty toothpaste, floss their teeth, and apply a fluoride treatment, if prescribed.

Flossing

Flossing removes food particles and tartar from the tight spaces between your child’s teeth. It’s an easy and effective way to lower the risk of gum disease.

Fluoride treatment

During fluoride treatment, the team applies a mineral solution to your child’s teeth. The solution helps fortify and strengthen the enamel, lowering the risk of tooth decay.

Does my child need more than one dental exam each year?

At Kids Klub Pediatric Dentistry, the team recommends all children undergo a dental exam at least twice a year. By scheduling an appointment every six months, it’s possible to teach your child the importance of oral health while helping prevent potentially serious issues like cavities, gum disease, or impacted teeth.

Make a dental exam appointment for your child at Kids Klub Pediatric Dentistry by calling the office or using the online booking tool.