Exams Specialist

What are dental exams?

Dental exams are assessments of your child’s teeth and gums to monitor their growth and development, look for cavities, and check for early signs of damage or disease. These exams can also help prevent potential dental concerns, such as:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Gum disease
• Tooth alignment problems
• Abnormal growths
• Issues with jaw alignment

The sooner the team at RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry addresses these concerns, the easier they are to treat.

How often does my child need dental exams?

Children should visit their dentist at least once every six months. These visits are especially important when your child’s teeth are still growing and developing. Baby teeth help guide permanent teeth into place, so caring for their teeth early on is crucial for healthy development.

Dental exams can also stop a minor dental concern from turning into a serious problem. These preventive visits can also help save you time and money. A preventive treatment, like dental sealants, is less time-consuming and expensive than a restorative treatment, like a dental crown.

What happens during a dental exam?

When your child arrives for their dental exam, the team at RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry visually assess their face, jaw, and mouth to check for alignment issues. They also check your child’s lips for sores or abnormal lesions.

Next, the team checks inside your child’s mouth to look for signs of decay and dental damage. They also examine the soft tissues to identify growths or sores.

A dental exam typically includes digital X-rays every 18-24 months unless indicated earlier. These imaging tests help the team see the tooth-supporting structures in your child’s mouth. Deep decay, advanced gum disease, and alignment issues are all important problems the team can identify through a digital X-ray.

Dental exams usually include teeth cleanings. During teeth cleaning, the team uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your child’s teeth and gums. They also brush, floss, and polish your child’s teeth.  Your child will learn the techniques to keep their teeth and mouth healthy for years to come.

A dental exam can keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong. To schedule an appointment with an experienced pediatric dentist, call RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry, or book a visit online today.