What to expect during your child’s dental checkup and cleaning

You practice dental hygiene at home, so you might think that dental checkups and professional cleanings for your child aren’t necessary. This is incorrect. You need at-home oral care and regular dental appointments because they reinforce each other in protecting your little one’s smile as they grow. At Triad Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina, we advise you to follow the ADA recommendation of bringing your child to a dentist no later than their first birthday — and much sooner if the first tooth sets in.

What can I expect during a typical dental appointment?

Booked an appointment with our dental office? Congratulations! This is the first step in setting up your child for a lifetime of excellent dental health. Here is what to expect.

Dental checkups

During dental checkups, Dr. Sona Isharani and the team examine your child’s teeth and gums to look out for signs of cavities, gum disease and bite misalignment. We also take dental x-rays to spot issues that are beyond the naked eye. Are dental x-rays safe for children? While the level of radiation emitted by x-ray imaging is very low, we try to minimize the use of x-rays for children unless it’s really necessary.

Professional cleanings

Maintaining routine dental care at home is great, but you need the help of a dentist to access hard-to-reach areas. We use gentle but effective equipment to remove tartar and plaque that may have accumulated in between dental cleanings.

Benefits of dental checkups and cleanings

Modern life is hectic and busy, and there never seem to be enough hours in the day. Too many important things end up being shelved due to a lack of time. However, regardless of how busy you are, don’t forget to take your child for their biannual dental visits. These appointments have many benefits, including:

• Helps prevent gum disease
• Deters tooth decay by dealing with cavities in good time
• Keeps your child’s breath fresh
• Brightens your child’s smile by eliminating stains
• We also teach your child proper brushing techniques

Have you booked a dental appointment for your child yet? If not, it’s never too late. All you need to do is dial (336) 804-8668 to schedule an appointment with Triad Pediatric Dentistry.