Regular, routine dental checkups play an important part in helping your child maintain his or her oral health. Understanding exactly when you should schedule an appointment for a checkup with a pediatric dentist, learning about what happens during the appointment, and why checkups are so important will help you keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy for a long time.
When and How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Checkup for Your Child
Children should start visiting a dentist for regular checkups within six months of their first tooth. If a child has not gotten his or her first tooth by their first birthday, regular checkups should start at that time. Remember, it is never too late to start regular checkups. Even if your child is 3 or 5 years old and has never been to the dentist, you can start now by scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist.
After completing the first dental visit, regular routine checkups should be scheduled approximately every six months. In some cases, a dentist may recommend a child visit every three to four months, but most of the time regular checkups are scheduled every six months.
What to Expect During a Regular, Routine Pediatric Dental Checkup
The goal of a pediatric dental checkup is to monitor your child’s oral health and spot any changes before they become problematic. Most of what occurs during a dental checkup is designed to help your dentist and his staff chart your child’s oral health so they can spot problem in the future.
Some things that will occur during a routine dental checkup for your child include:
- Visual examination looking for tooth decay, cavities, and tooth growth
- Monitoring fluoride levels
- Cleaning and polishing of the teeth
- Provide a fluoride rinse
- Application of dental sealants
- Monitor and chart tooth development, jaw placement, and other important information
- Run x-rays if cavities are suspected
During your child’s routine dental checkup, the dental hygienist will often ask a number of questions that will help them determine any habits that may impact your child’s oral health.
Some questions that may be asked include:
- Does your child suck their thumb?
- Does your child use a pacifier?
- Does your child drink out of a regular cup or a sippy cup?
- What types of foods does your child eat on a regular basis?
- Does your child engage in any activities that may damage their teeth?
- Have you noticed any teeth grinding or jaw clenching?
- What dental work has been performed in the past? This question is usually asked if you are a new patient.
Regular Checkups Help Create a Safe, Comfortable Dental “Home”
Dental emergencies can be stressful for children. They are in pain and the entire situation can be scary. Regular checkups with a pediatric dentist can help reduce the stress your child experiences should they have a dental emergency.
In the event your child should experience a dental emergency, they will feel safe and comfortable with their dentist because they have seen them on a regular basis. Your child will be familiar with everything from the dental equipment in the office, the dental staff, and the dentist.
Regular Checkups Allow Dental Staff to Provide Guidance to Parents to Improve Oral Health
One of the biggest benefits of regular routine checkups is the opportunity for dental staff to provide you with valuable information that will help you improve your child’s oral health. Taking the information the dental staff obtained from the appointment, they can provide you with tips on how to make sure your child keeps their teeth and gums healthy.
Some of the things you can learn from the dental staff during a routine checkup include:
- Proper cleaning techniques for brushing and flossing
- Discovering how often your child should be brushing and flossing
- Discovering what type of toothpaste is best to use for your child
- Recommendations for diet changes that will reduce the likelihood that your child develops cavities or extensive tooth decay
- Recommendation for changes that will improve oral health such as transitioning from using a sippy cup to trying to help a child stop sucking their thumb
Schedule Regular Checkups with Your Pediatric Dentist
Schedule an appointment for your child at The Pediatric Dentistry of Central Florida. We have offices in Maitland and St. Cloud, Florida. Our experienced, caring dental professionals will provide a safe and comfortable place for your child. We will conduct a complete dental checkup. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
