The health of your child’s teeth and mouth is vital to the well-being of his or her entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your child’s smile looking its best, visiting our office for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.
The American Dental Association recommends that your child visit the dentist every six months to ensure his or her teeth stay healthy and smile stays beautiful.
By routinely seeing us for exams and cleanings, your son or daughter can:
During your child’s exam, Dr. Linville will thoroughly examine the teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. The dentist 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 us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Our team 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. Our team will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your child’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.
Next, our team will carefully clean your youngster’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Then, the hygienist will floss your little one’s teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your child has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let our office know. We offer several sedation options to ensure the patient’s comfort.
If Dr. Linville 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, Dr. Linville will probably recommend that your child continue his or her brushing and flossing routine as usual.
