Why Choose Woodland Pediatric Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- Sedatives Available to Reduce Anxiety
- Advanced Technology to Improve Patient Comfort
Dental Checkups & Cleanings- Marietta, GA
Protect and Preserve Your Child’s Still-Developing Smile
Many parents and guardians mistakenly believe that their child doesn’t require dental care until they have a full mouth of teeth. However, by that time they may already have developed oral issues, like cavities and gum disease, that can impact their dental health moving forward.
The American Dental Association recommends scheduling an appointment when their first teeth arrive, usually around 1 year old. Continue reading to learn more about why regular visits are so important and what your family can expect while you’re here. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information!
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Establishing consistent dental visits for your kid(s) can prevent potential issues because it allows our team to monitor their condition to catch and address any areas of concern before they progress. For example, gum disease often starts small and doesn’t always exhibit noticeable symptoms until it worsens. You may not notice it at home, but our team has the expertise and equipment necessary to identify and address periodontal issues promptly.
Plus, preventive care tends to cost less than more complex treatments, meaning that you can avoid additional expenditures later on by investing in routine visits to maintain your child’s oral health. For example, professional cleanings can prevent cavities to avoid the need for root canals or dental crowns.
Finally, regular dental visits can teach curious minds the value of appropriate dental care early in their lives so they’re better able to preserve their dental health when they’re old enough to manage it themselves.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
It might vary slightly based on your child’s unique circumstances, but usually you can expect the following from a typical checkup:
- Medical history. We’ll update your family’s medical history to ensure we don’t suggest any procedures or medications that might negatively interfere with your child’s general health.
- Our team will analyze your kid’s teeth, gums, bite alignment, and any existing dental work (like fillings) to ensure everything is in good condition.
- Cancer screening. We also scan the soft tissues of their mouth for signs of this rare but potentially lethal disease.
- We’ll take X-rays at least once a year to examine the area below the surface of their gums and prevent problems from developing where you can’t see them.
- Treatment plan. If Dr. Vahid finds any areas of concern, she’ll suggest appropriate procedures to address it and walk you through the details for your approval.
- Q&A. You and your little one(s) will have a chance to ask any questions on your mind about your dental condition or your at-home oral hygiene routine.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
After your child’s checkup is complete, we’ll thoroughly clean their grin by thoroughly brushing and flossing their teeth. Our team will also use special dental instruments to scrape away any tough tartar or plaque buildup from their enamel, between their teeth, and along their gumline. This reduces the likelihood that your kid will develop tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath.
Depending on their situation, we might also offer a topical fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel. Then, we’ll polish their teeth to remove any surface stains that might have developed to send them home with a smile that sparkles!