The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that children should start seeing dentists when their first teeth come out or before their first birthday. It’s also recommended that pediatric dental checkups should be scheduled once every 6 months to maintain optimal oral health. Pediatric dental checkups are essential for preventative care, keeping the child on track for a lifetime of perfect dental health.
Pediatric Dental Exams
Ashburn & South Riding
Nova Children’s Dentistry is a state-of-the-art dental clinic outfitted with cutting-edge technologies and incredibly friendly staff to provide your family with the best pediatric dental exams Ashburn and South Riding have to offer. Our pediatric dentists have warm personalities, and they inculcate the best oral hygiene habits in children to help them maintain perfect dental health. We follow a proactive approach to dental care — identifying the earliest signs of dental problems to address them before they cause any problems. Please schedule your kids’ dental checkups at our offices in Ashburn and South Riding, VA.
What are the benefits of regular pediatric dental checkups?
- Early Detection of Dental Caries: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 20% of all kids between 5 and 11 experience dental decay and cavities. Children have a strong affinity for sweets and fruity beverages, which increases their risk of bacterial decay, leading to cavities.
- Gum Disease & Other Problems: During dental checkups, the pediatric dentists also look for signs and symptoms of gum disease and other dental problems. This allows us to identify and treat dental problems at the earliest stage possible.
- Misaligned & Crooked Permanent Teeth: It’s important to avoid premature loss of baby teeth, which can be helped with routine pediatric dental exams in Ashburn and South Riding. If the cavity isn’t detected at an early stage, it can affect the entire tooth, necessitating an early extraction. However, the baby teeth act as placeholders for the permanent teeth, ensuring optimal alignment and space. The early loss of baby teeth leads to crooked teeth, misalignment, and overcrowding.
- Preventative Care: Dental checkups include professional teeth cleaning, which is one of the cornerstones of preventative dentistry. During a professional cleaning, the hygienist scrapes off all the accumulated plaque and tartar to restore optimal oral health. This prevents cavities from occurring.
What happens during the pediatric dental checkup?
Our pediatric dental exam starts with a routine examination of your child’s oral health. The dentist will ask you about your child’s drinking and eating habits, oral hygiene habits, and other factors that help them identify the risk factors. The dentist will also remove the stains and accumulated particles from the teeth by scrubbing them off with a wet toothbrush. They’ll display the correct toothbrush style and strokes to ensure optimal oral health.
After the initial consultation and examination, the dentist looks for sores and bumps in your child’s mouth. They examine the root of the mouth, the inside of the cheeks, the tongue, and other soft tissues to identify possible anomalies. They’ll also ask you about the child’s fluoride intake and oral habits, such as pacifier use and thumb sucking. These factors will help them identify possible problems and the risk of orthodontic problems. The dentist will also recommend a fluoride supplement, if necessary. Pediatric dental exams in Ashburn and South Riding are an important step towards your child having a healthy and happy smile.
Pediatric dental checkups also include dental x-rays. The dentist will use x-rays to visualize different aspects and areas of the child’s mouth, highlighting possible dental problems. X-ray isn’t necessary for all dental checkups, but the dentist will inform you if it’s necessary because of certain oral signs. The dentist will also coach the child on optimal brushing, flossing, and dietary habits. In some cases, the dentist might recommend a pre-orthodontic treatment to help your child achieve straight teeth.
Once the dental checkup is over, the pediatric dentist will discuss the findings with the parents. They’ll highlight all the problems and discuss how you can prevent dental problems, preserve oral health, and improve your child’s overall dental wellness. Please feel free to contact us for more information on the best dental exams for kids in South Riding.
Pediatric Dental Exams FAQs
When should a child have their first dental exam?
A child’s first dental exam should ideally occur by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. Early exams help detect any issues, establish good oral hygiene habits, and provide parents with valuable guidance on proper oral care.
What are the best routines for children on proper brushing and flossing?
Children should brush their teeth twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing should begin when adjacent teeth touch. Parents should supervise brushing until the child can do it effectively, usually around age 6.
Can parents be present in the room for their child's dental exam?
Yes, parents are encouraged to be present during their child’s dental exam. It helps ease anxiety and allows parents to ask questions and gain insights into their child’s oral health. However, there may be instances where the dentist suggests parental absence to build trust with the child.
How can parents prevent dental problems in their children?
Parents can prevent dental problems by promoting good oral hygiene, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, encouraging a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and scheduling regular pediatric dental exams in Ashburn and South Riding. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can also help.
Do children need more dental exams than adults?
Children generally require more frequent dental exams than adults. They should visit the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. This frequency helps monitor their developing teeth and address any issues promptly.
