Routine Dental Checkup for Kids: What To Know

Teeth cleanings and oral exams are just as important for children as for adults. A routine dental checkup for kids can provide these services in a single appointment every six months, as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends. The dentist can also provide restorations and help with oral hygiene during these checkups.

When to start going to the dentist

According to the AAPD, children should start visiting the dentist at one year of age or as soon as their first tooth erupts. This encourages a better relationship between the child and dental care, as they will become accustomed to going to the dentist at an early age. It is also the best way to prevent oral health problems, as the dentist will look for signs of tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, and more.

Preparing for a dental checkup for kids

The best way to prepare for a dental checkup for kids is to know what to expect. Generally, parents should expect their children’s checkups to have five parts. Dive into the details below.

Dental cleaning

A dental cleaning is typically the first step in any dental checkup. Also known as a teeth cleaning, the goal is to remove any sticky or hard deposits on the teeth (plaque and tartar, respectively). This involves dental instruments, such as dental scalers. After removing all plaque and tartar, the dental hygienist will floss and polish the teeth. Polishing makes it harder for plaque and tartar to form on the teeth. It also gives the teeth a shiny appearance.

Oral exam

After the teeth cleaning, the dentist will conduct an oral exam. This is done after the cleaning because the dentist will have a view unobstructed by plaque and tartar. They will inspect the depth of the gum pockets (the spaces between the gums and the teeth) to look for signs of gum disease. In addition, they will look over the chewing surfaces of the teeth for cavities. If there are any other issues, such as tooth sensitivity, they can look for an underlying cause, such as exposed tooth roots.

Dental restorations

The dentist will discuss the various options available if there is any need for a dental restoration. For minor cavities, they will likely recommend dental bonding. A dental crown may be necessary to repair more severely damaged teeth.

Depending on various factors, the dentist may be able to provide restorative dental care on the day of the checkup. However, it is more common for the parents to schedule a separate appointment for the restoration. This gives the child more time to prepare and the dentist more time to complete the procedure.

Preventive oral care

The dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants, both of which work to prevent tooth decay. These preventive treatments are meant to supplement oral hygiene basics, not replace them. For kids, fluoride is often painted on as a varnish to protect all tooth surfaces from decay. Dental sealants also protect the back teeth’s chewing surfaces.

Advice on oral hygiene basics

Dentists can provide advice on how to care for a child’s teeth at home. Typically, this means giving the child a refresher on oral hygiene basics, such as brushing and flossing techniques. If the child is having trouble keeping a consistent oral hygiene routine, they can work with the parent to solve this problem.