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Pediatric Dental Exams & Cleanings

Protect and enhance your child’s oral health through regular pediatric dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

A young child smiles and gives a thumbs-up while sitting in a dental chair next to a masked person, presumably the dentist.

A child holding a teddy bear gives a high-five to a person wearing blue medical gloves in a warmly lit, clinical setting.

Comprehensive pediatric dental care

A child’s visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment.

We want you and your son or daughter to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your little one know about the first visit, the better you will feel.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends:

Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s newly-erupted teeth (which emerge at six to 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. Regular dental exams and cleanings are key to maintaining oral health and preventing future dental issues. While daily brushing and flossing at home are crucial, comprehensive exams and cleanings at the dentist play an indispensable role. Experts, including the American Dental Association, advocate for dental visits every six months to keep teeth healthy and smiles radiant.

The path to a cleaner smile: professional cleanings

Our friendly dental hygienist will perform an initial exam to assess for cavities, gum health and oral hygiene. The cleaning process includes removing any tartar build-up, flossing, and polishing their teeth to make them sparkle. We finish with a fluoride treatment to strengthen their tooth enamel. If we notice any concerns, we’ll offer helpful advice on how to enhance your child’s dental care routine at home.

The benefits of regular checkups

By consistently visiting the dentist for exams and cleanings, your child can:

Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath: Early detection and treatment prevent these common issues.
Avoid costly and extensive dental procedures: Regular care helps catch problems before they become serious.
Maintain white teeth by reducing staining: Professional cleaning removes stains that brushing alone cannot.
Minimize time spent in the dentist’s office: Regular check-ups mean less time fixing problems later.
Ensure a lasting, healthy smile: Continuous care is the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Post-Visit guidance and care

Depending on the exam and cleaning results, the dentist may suggest changes to your child’s brushing or flossing habits to improve oral health. If the teeth and gums are in good condition, continue your current oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups.

We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to prevent cavities. We will consult the patient, parent or guardian prior to providing this service.

Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your youngster’s teeth, and prevent decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.