Dental Exams and Cleanings For Kids

You'd be surprised to find that preventative oral healthcare starts at a young age. According to both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, you should start taking your child to the best pediatric dental cleaning clinic in your area the moment her first set of teeth erupt. This is why it's important for you to understand the basics of your child's oral health. Knowing why and how your child's dental cleaning and exam are done should help you prepare for what's to come. To learn more about your child's oral health care needs, you should keep on reading. 

When Should You Schedule a Kids Dental Cleaning and Examine? 

A regular dental exam is crucial for your child. It's a fundamental part of teaching your child to care for her oral health. Moreover, it gives your dentist ample time to detect any problems early on. Taking your child to the best pediatric dental cleaning clinic ensures that she receives the most suitable treatment. In addition, you should be provided with adequate tips to care for her teeth.

When it comes to your child, there are various factors that should determine when she should have a dental exam. However, extreme cases such as tooth decay require urgent dental attention. But if the circumstances are different, these are the general guidelines that you should follow. 

• From 6 months to a year. It is recommended that you should take your child for her first dental visit soon after her first tooth erupts. You should ensure that you don't wait until her first birthday. If you forget, you should just ask your doctor to examine her gums and teeth at every checkup. 
• Toddlers and upwards. As your child gets older, it's recommended that you schedule regular dental appointments that are no longer than 6 months apart. However, your dentist can make specific recommendations for fewer or more frequent visits. This should be determined by different factors. For instance, if your child has severe oral health problems. 

Preparing for your Child's Dental Cleaning and Exam

There are a few things that you should consider before you take your child to her first dental visit. For instance, do you feel more comfortable taking her to your family dentist? Or would you prefer to take her to the best pediatric dental cleaning clinic in your area? If you're uncertain, choosing a pediatric dentist is likely your ideal choice. The fact is that the premises have a child-friendly office. Moreover, there should be equipment that's specifically designed for your child. 

Once you've decided where you'll be taking your child, you should ensure that you help her prepare for her dental cleaning and exam. The following are some of the easiest ways that you can ensure that she remains calm. 

• You should carefully time her visit to ensure that she's well rested. This should increase her chances of cooperating throughout her visit. 
• You should maintain positive talk at all times. The main thing that you should do is to highlight the positive outcome of her visit to the dentist. 
• Talk to her to find out any worries that she's likely to have. Listening to her should help her feel better about her anxiety about the whole process.

What to Expect at a Kids Dental Cleaning and Examine 

The main thing that you should remember is that what happens during your child's dental exam varies depending on how old she is. Additionally, her oral health should also be a factor. Yet, there are general procedures that you should expect. For instance, during the visit, your dentist should clean her gums and teeth. This is generally done to evaluate her risk of tooth decay. If there's a high risk of tooth decay, then the dentist can apply fluoride or a sealant to reduce any risk of tooth decay. 

In certain cases, depending on the extent of her tooth decay, the dentist can request a dental X-ray. In addition, other diagnostic procedures can be recommended. 

In summary, knowing when to take your child to her first dental exam at the best pediatric dental cleaning clinic in your area is crucial. It should help you to avoid potential oral health risks in the future. It should also help you to learn the most effective tips to ensure that she understands the importance of caring for her oral health. At Baker pediatric dentistry, we pride ourselves in providing adequate dental care that's suitable for your child's needs. 

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