Your pediatric dentist here at Keswick Kids Dental conducts dental exams for kids as part of your child’s routine semi-annual or annual dental checkup.
Regular dental exams help us to continually monitor the health of your child’s teeth and gums throughout their developmental years.
Medical History – Prior to your child’s dental exam, our staff will discuss your child’s medical history with you.
We will typically start by talking to you and your child about any concerns or questions you may have. This is a good opportunity for the child to ask the dentist any questions they may have about their teeth or dental care in general.
Things we need to know include if your child has any allergies or is taking any medications. We also need to know if they have suffered any injuries or previous facial trauma.
Teeth Cleaning – If the child is old enough, the dentist may also provide them with professional teeth cleaning. This involves using special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, as well as polishing the teeth to give them a smooth, healthy appearance.
Teeth cleaning is performed by our dental hygienist to remove any tartar or plaque buildup. While cleaning the teeth, the hygienist will also be looking for other possible dental issues and inform the dentist of what they find.
During Dental Exams for Kids
Next, the dentist will perform a thorough examination of your child’s mouth. This typically includes a visual inspection of the teeth, gums, and tongue, as well as a check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems.
The dentist may also use specialized instruments, such as a small mirror or probe, to get a closer look at the teeth and gums.
Teeth & Jawbone – Your child’s dentist will inspect your child’s teeth and jaw including checking for:
Damaged or missing teeth
Tooth decay above and/or below the gum line
Cavities
Teeth positioning and spacing – are they aligned properly?
Jawbone and joint function
Is the bite correct?
Are there any signs of teeth clenching or grinding teeth?
Has your child had previous dental work and are there any changes or issues?
Gums & Soft Tissues – We also look at your child’s gums and soft tissues:
Do the gums bleed?
Are the gums discoloured, inflamed, or showing signs of gum disease?
Are there any sores, lesions, or other soft tissue damage?
Are the salivary glands healthy?
Dental X-rays – X-rays are sometimes necessary during dental exams for kids especially if your child is a new patient. These dental X-rays can help the dentist to identify any issues that may not be visible during a visual inspection, such as hidden cavities or impacted teeth.
Following the Dental Exam
Once the examination is complete, the dentist will discuss their findings with you and your child. This may include recommendations for any necessary treatments, such as fillings, tooth extractions, or orthodontic work.
Addressing Dental Problems – If the pediatric dentist should find any issues with the health of your child’s teeth and gums, we will take corrective measures to immediately fix the problems. If the problem cannot be addressed during this initial visit, it may be necessary to book a follow-up dental appointment.
Dental Sealants – We might also recommend applying dental sealants to offer additional protection for your child’s teeth.
Oral Hygiene Education – As part of regular dental exams for kids, we will also help educate your child on how to floss and brush properly and how to develop and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future dental problems.
Fluoride for Teeth – We may also recommend a dental fluoride treatment for your child. Fluoride helps to protect tooth enamel and minimize the risk of tooth decay.
Our kid’s dental clinic is specifically designed for working with children.
Dental Equipment – We work with children of all ages, from toddlers and youths through to adolescents. Young children have smaller mouths and smaller teeth than adults. That’s why we have specialized dental tools and equipment in various sizes, to accommodate your child all through their growing years.
Pediatric Dentistry – As pediatric dentists, we also have specialized training that revolves around working with kids. This includes training in behavioural guidance techniques.
Whether we are conducting routine dental exams for kids or dealing with a dental emergency, we believe part of our job is to provide an environment that helps your child feel safe, both psychologically and emotionally.
Summary
It is important for children to visit the dentist regularly, typically every six months to a year, to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy and to catch any potential issues early on.
This can help to prevent more serious problems from developing and can save the child (and their parents) time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
In addition to regular dental exams, it is important for children to:
And limit their intake of sugary foods and drinks, as these can increase the risk of tooth decay.
A child’s dental exam is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing future dental problems.
Dental exams typically involve a visual examination of the teeth and gums, X-rays if necessary, and a discussion of any necessary treatments or recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene.
By visiting the dentist regularly and taking good care of their teeth and gums at home, children can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
About Keswick Kids Dental
At Keswick Kids Dental, we want every child to have a wonderful experience visiting the dentist…every time. That’s why we continually strive to create a safe, fun environment at our kid’s dental clinic.
If your child is due for a dental exam, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a dentist who is experienced in working with children. This can help to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for your child and can also ensure that they receive the best possible care.
Keswick Kids Dental specializes in pediatric dentistry for kids of all ages plus we offer parents help with financing dental work through PayBright.
If you still have questions about dental exams for kids, please see our post on dental FAQs or contact us online.
