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Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Garland, TX
Preventing Oral Health Problems Before They Arise
From the moment your child’s first tooth erupted, you knew the game had changed with regard to their oral health. Whether or not you were cleaning their gums with a washcloth before that pearly white appeared, you’re now seeing an actual tooth shining through that cheesy grin. Your child’s oral health is of the utmost importance. If you practice good oral hygiene habits at home, you’ll need to do the same with your child. Apart from explaining and showing them how to brush and floss their teeth, you’ll need to make sure they visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Lily, at our Shiny Smile Pediatric Dentistry office. With a routine dental checkup and cleaning, you will be putting your child on a path to optimal oral health as they grow. To find out how you can get started, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
What Happens During an Oral Exam?
When bringing in your child for an oral exam, you can expect Dr. Lilly and her team to provide a wide array of kid-friendly services. Not only is our office warm and welcoming, but she will ensure your child is treated with compassion and kindness.
She will perform a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. Not only will she check for tooth decay and gum disease, but as your child grows older, she’ll be looking for any signs that he or she may need possible orthodontic treatment. Digital x-rays are used to examine beneath the gum line and detect any problems before they occur.
If your child is anxious or scared about coming to the dentist, we do provide sedation dentistry to help calm their nerves and make them more comfortable. You can speak to Dr. Lily at your child’s next appointment about the types of sedation offered.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Our qualified hygienists perform dental cleanings in our office. During a typical cleaning, they will work to remove any plaque or tartar buildup around the gum line while being sure to remain gentle. We know it can be uncomfortable, which is why we take the extra steps to ensure your child receives tender care.
Even if your child is following a regular routine at home of brushing and flossing, they’re still honing their skills, so it’s normal for them to miss some of the plaque buildup that occurs on teeth. This is why regular dental checkups and cleanings are so important. Our specialized tools can remove these and prevent any problems from developing.
At this time, you can feel free to ask the hygienist or Dr. Lily about any additional products your child can use or steps they can take to ensure optimal oral health at home.
How Can I Be Sure My Child’s Oral Health is Cared for as They Grow?
Not only is Dr. Lilly a dedicated pediatric dentist, but she enjoys watching her patients grow from young children to thriving teenagers. Treating children of all ages – from infants to teens – she is well-versed in how to care for young teeth as they grow and change over time. Baby teeth will one day turn into permanent, adult teeth, so ensuring they stay healthy from the beginning is her goal.
From teething assistance to fluoride treatments to oral cancer screenings, the types of treatment your child will need over the years change, and thankfully, Dr. Lily can provide the level of comprehensive care you need for your child.
If you want a pediatric dentist near you who will keep your child’s oral health in check, look no further than Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you and your child today.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
In most cases, a regular six-month dental exam completed by your pediatric dentist should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the individual oral health of your child.
During their exam, your child’s dentist will screen their mouth for signs of oral cancer, as well as visually inspect their teeth, gums, tongue and soft tissues.
They will also take a closer look at their teeth to be on the lookout for things like decay, bite problems, and examine any preexisting dental restorations such as fillings, sealants, or dental crowns.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
For healthy mouths that are free of gum disease, a regular dental cleaning should only take about 30 minutes if your child visits their pediatric dentist every six months as recommended by the ADA.
Should a deeper cleaning be necessary due to excessive tartar buildup, their dentist may recommend a scaling and root planing treatment, which typically spans two appointments spaced several weeks apart.
How often do I need to get dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are an extremely effective way for your child’s pediatric dentist to see what’s going on inside their teeth and below their gumline. Typically, they are necessary every six months when they visit for their regular dental checkups and cleanings. The good news is that they’re painless and take just moments to complete.
There are three main types of dental X-rays your pediatric dental team may take:
Bitewings – These are done annually to spot things like cavities and problems lurking below the surface of the teeth.
Periapical X-rays - These images are taken as necessary and can be extremely useful in pre-treatment planning to help your pediatric dentist spot problems with the roots of your child’s teeth.
Panoramic X-rays – Panoramic X-rays are only needed every three to five years and are more commonly used to identify issues with oral development such as wisdom tooth eruption and orthodontic concerns.
The exact type of X-rays your child’s dentist orders will depend on several important factors, including how long it’s been since they last had them, if they need any dental treatment, or if they are experiencing any oral health problems like a jaw stiffness or a toothache.
How often do I need to visit the dentist for a cleaning and exam?
Even for children who take excellent care of their teeth and gums at home, the American Dental Association recommends they visit their dentist every six months for routine dental checkups and cleanings. In combination with a solid at-home routine, these appointments can reduce tartar buildup and lower your child’s risk of painful oral health conditions such as gum disease and cavities.
While it may seem like it’s not important for baby teeth or kids who do a good job brushing and flossing, it is far easier and more affordable to bring your child in for dental checkups and cleanings every six months than it would be to treat painful oral health problems that slid under the radar due to missed appointments!