Dental Exams and Cleanings
When Should Your Child First Visit a Dentist?
Most dental professionals recommend scheduling a baby's first dental appointment within six months of the first tooth erupting and no later than the first birthday. From then on, most kids require routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. However, we may recommend more frequent visits if a child is prone to developing tooth decay or other dental problems.
The Importance of Children's Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental health exams are critical to protecting your child's oral health. They allow us to identify tooth decay, cavities, and other oral problems early on when they are the easiest to treat. Moreover, routine exams provide an excellent opportunity to monitor how the teeth and jaws are developing to ensure everything is on track.
Professional dental cleanings are also key components of preventive dental care. Removing plaque and tartar buildup from your child's teeth and gum line lowers the risk of tooth decay and other dental health problems. Most importantly, we use this opportunity to educate your child about oral hygiene at home to keep those pearly whites clean and bright between dental visits.
What Happens During Your Child's Appointment?
Depending on your child's unique needs, we may start the appointment by taking digital x-rays using our modern imaging equipment to detect cavities or any other problems we can’t see under the gums and inside the teeth. Next, Dr. Tyfanni will evaluate the health of your child’s teeth and gums and check any dental work for defects. She may recommend any needed preventive or restorative treatments to keep your little one's smile healthy and bright.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Our dental hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar deposits from your child's teeth using kid-sized dental tools and instruments. Next is a fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel and keep tooth decay at bay. The last step is discussing your little one's brushing and flossing routine to offer tips as needed.
How We Help Your Child Feel Right at Home
Sunny Side of the Street Pediatric Dentistry is more than a children's dentistry practice. It is a comfortable and happy place that children love to visit. We’ve paid attention to every detail and have worked tirelessly to create a magical space for our young patients. From our kid-friendly staff to our gentle approach to dentistry, our kid-sized tools and equipment, our sedation dentistry options, and our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art dental care, you can always expect unique and exclusive pediatric dental care!