Kids Dental Exam
DuPont, WA
 Tooth issues are often not prominent in children, but parents and caregivers should know that diagnosing the problem in the earliest stage is recommended if there is a danger to your child's oral health. This proves just how important regular dental exams are for children.
Importance of Routine Dental Exams
Dentists know how to identify potential problems early on, if any, and suggest solutions and treatments that can be least invasive. It is beneficial to introduce the child to the dentist from a young age so that they can get to know them and understand what happens during a dental exam.
Preparing for a Dental Exam
Regular brushing and flossing are essential steps toward good oral health. A child must be encouraged to clean their teeth properly. A visit to the dentist every six months is recommended to discuss any concerns detected during the dental exam. Prepare your children for their dental appointment by encouraging them in a positive tone. If they are nervous or scared, bring them to the dental office for just a meeting so that they can talk to the staff and feel comfortable and more at ease.
A dental exam is planned so that plaque and tartar, which can cause tooth decay, can be cleaned from the teeth of the child. This process cannot be done at home as dental professionals specialize in removing these substances from the teeth. A pediatric dentist will talk about the child's diet and oral health and check whether there are any signs of gum disease or decay present.
Fluoride is proven to prevent cavities as it is absorbed in tooth enamel and resists decay, making teeth stronger. Fluoride is beneficial in preventing tooth decay in its early stages by reversing its effects, which means that fluoride treatment is very effective for children. Regular toothpaste contains fluoride, but treatment in our office involves applying a greater concentration of fluoride on the teeth of children with high risks of cavities. The treatment protects their teeth for several months, and the fluoride is reapplied every three to six months. This treatment is only performed at the dentist's office, and the child is recommended to eat soft foods for four hours afterward.
Hot drinks, rinsing the mouth, brushing and flossing are strictly inadvisable after the fluoride treatment. At Children's Dentistry of DuPont, our pediatric dentist Tracy H. Takenaka, DDS, MSD is specialized in providing excellent fluoride treatment therapy for kids.
Counseling and Oral Care
Dentists can detect early signs of cavities, stains, and decay and prevent them from worsening. A pediatric dentist specializes in counseling parents and caregivers regarding maintaining good oral health in children. They also teach children how to brush and floss properly and care for their teeth by discouraging bad eating habits.
The Way Towards Healthy Teeth
Putting off your child’s dental exams will not turn out well for their oral health. Helping them get accustomed to dental visits early on is an important part of developing their dental hygiene. Call us now at (253) 244-9778 to request an appointment at Children's Dentistry of DuPont, and our pediatric dentist Tracy H. Takenaka, DDS, MSD will make sure to provide an energetic and positive environment to your kids so that they are taken care of in the best possible way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Baby Teeth Matter?
Yes, baby teeth are important for a child's overall oral health. They help in the proper development of speech, maintain space for permanent teeth, and contribute to a child's ability to chew food. Keeping baby teeth healthy also helps prevent future dental issues.
How Do You Brush Baby Teeth?
For baby teeth, use a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush all surfaces of the teeth and gum line twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime. As children grow, teach them to brush their teeth with your guidance.
When Should First Teeth Come Out?
The first baby teeth usually start to loosen and fall out around the age of 6, but this can vary. The teeth often fall out in the order they came in, with the lower central incisors being the first to go. Regular dental check-ups can monitor the progress of tooth loss and eruption of permanent teeth. |
