It's important to start children early in the right direction to good dental hygiene.  A starting time for that first dental exam is when your child has a total of eight teeth, usually around age one.  You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive.  Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions.  The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.

It is best to refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt.  Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to a child. 

Brushing techniques, flossing, healthy snacks and fluoride recommendations are just some of the topics discussed during your child's initial cleaning and exam appointment. 

Your child should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your child's teeth and gums.  At these visits, your child's teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities.  Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.  These include:

  • Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
  • Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
  • Review dietary habits: Your child's eating habits play a very important role in their dental health.