Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids – Lynchburg, VA
Preventative Care to
Safeguard Your Child’s Smile
Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, usually around their first birthday? It’s natural to wonder why you should schedule an appointment so early, especially when their primary teeth haven’t all arrived. The truth is that visiting our team sooner rather than later allows us to monitor their oral condition and offer appropriate preventative care to safeguard your child’s smile.
Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from dental checkups and cleanings for kids, and feel free to contact us with additional questions.
Why Choose Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids?
- Member of the American Dental Association
- Dentists with 40+ Years of Combined Experience
- Dental Sedation Available to Soothe Anxiety
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids Important?
You might think that there’s no need to be overly concerned about your little one’s dental health until they have a mouth full of teeth, but nothing could be further from the truth. Babies and children can develop issues before they’ve all erupted if their mouths aren’t well-cared for.
Scheduling routine visits every six months allows us to monitor their growth and address any noticeable areas of concern before they can cause real problems. For instance, if we spot early signs of gum disease or weakening enamel, we can treat it before they develop gingivitis or cavities.
Furthermore, many dental insurance policies fully cover the cost of preventative care that protects your family’s dental health. Taking the time now to ensure their grin is healthy can prevent the possibility of more complex and costly treatments down the road.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup for Kids
It might vary slightly based on your family’s unique circumstances, but typically you can expect a checkup for kids to include:
- A visual examination. Our team will look over each tooth as well as their gums, any existing dental work, and overall bite alignment.
- Oral cancer screening. We’ll also briefly check the soft tissues in their mouth for any signs of more serious underlying issues, like oral cancer.
- At least once annually, you can expect us to take X-rays of your child’s teeth and jaw to see what’s happening beneath the surface of their gums.
- Q&A. We’re happy to take the time to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning for Kids
Even if you consistently brush and floss your child’s teeth and gums twice daily, there are certain areas you might miss because they’re harder to see or reach. Thankfully, our team can provide a professional cleaning using special instruments designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup effectively. This protects your kid from developing tooth decay, gum disease, or chronic bad breath.
Then, we’ll polish their existing teeth to clear away minor surface stains. Depending on their condition, we might also apply a topical fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel.