4 Questions to Ask a Dentist About a Children’s Oral Health Exam

Starting good dental hygiene at an early age is important. Visiting a pediatric dentistry professional regularly is one part of good oral health, as is brushing and flossing at home. As a parent, it is a good idea to be involved in your children's dental care, especially when they are younger. Whether you are taking your child to the dentist for the first time or you have gone a few times, you may have some questions. The answers can help guide you on how to improve your child's routines and care.

Questions to ask at a pediatric dentistry appointment

Dental professionals recommend that parents take their child to the first professional dental appointment after the first tooth emerges. You probably have lots of questions for the dentist, and these are some common ones.

1. Is an exam even necessary, especially for kids with baby teeth?

The quick answer is yes. Baby teeth are important because they affect how the permanent teeth will form and come in. Baby teeth can also decay, and it is important to detect this early, as it is easier to treat them in the initial stages of decay. Starting dental care early also sets a good foundation and routine for ongoing oral hygiene and helps the child feels at ease.

2. What does the exam entail?

The initial appointment is to get an overall look at the child's gums, teeth, and jaw. It is also a way to get the child used to sitting in the chair and the different tools that will be used in future appointments.

In subsequent appointments, an exam will occur after a professional cleaning. The dentist will conduct a thorough exam of the mouth. Things that he or she will look for include:

• Tooth placement.
• Signs of decay.
• Jaw alignment.
• Signs of gum disease.
• Oral cancer.

Once your child reaches a certain age, there will also be X-rays taken, although not at every visit. This exam is also your and your child's opportunity to discuss any concerns or ask questions. The dentist may also offer suggestions for improved dental care at home.   

3. How often should my child have an exam?

In pediatric dentistry, it is recommended that children have an oral exam twice a year. However, the dentist may recommend more than that if the child is more susceptible to decay or other issues.

4. When you will begin taking X-rays?

X-rays are an important part of the visit, as they detect issues that cannot be seen by visual inspection. As the child gets older, X-rays also see how permanent teeth are coming in, which is one of the factors in braces recommendation.

A dentist will generally begin taking X-rays once the child's permanent teeth are in, which is around age 6, 7, or 8. However, they may be taken earlier if there are potential issues.