Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your little one’s teeth and mouth is vital to the well-being of his or her entire body. While routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your youngster’s smile looking its best, visiting our office for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.
The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months to ensure their teeth stay healthy and smile remains beautiful. By routinely seeing Dr. Abioro for exams and cleanings, your son or daughter can:
- Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Avoid costly and extensive dental procedures
- Have white teeth by reducing staining from food and drinks
- Shorten the time spent in our office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
The Exam
During your child’s exam, Dr. Dinah will thoroughly examine your little one’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. She may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help the doctor discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Professional Cleanings
The dental hygienist will begin your child’s cleaning by exploring the surface of the teeth to determine whether there are any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your son or daughter’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.
Next, the hygienist will carefully clean the teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Then the hygienist will floss your child’s teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your youngster has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let us know. We may offer several sedation options to ensure your child’s comfort.
If Dr. Abioro or the hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your child’s brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments.
If your child’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, we will probably recommend that he or she continue the brushing and flossing routine as usual.
