A dental checkup for kids can show your child that dental care is not something to fear. Being aware of what the dentist looks for during a checkup can give you and your child an idea of what will happen. Knowing what the dentist will do can calm the child down. Here are the details about what the dentist looks for during every dental checkup for kids.
Gum disease
The dentist will search for this dental issue during each dental checkup for kids. Gum disease is a common oral condition. It can lead to more serious dental problems, such as infections, receding gums, and tooth loss. A visit will allow the dentist to look for signs, such as gum swelling and discoloration. Discussing the treatments for gum disease will come next. Parents can also learn about how to care for their child’s gums at home.
Tooth decay
Checking for tooth decay is an important part of each dental checkup for kids. The dentist will perform a physical oral exam. Signs of dental decay are visible to the trained eyes of a dentist. An extensive oral assessment can also detect cavities in the back teeth. The dentist will notice a weakened enamel right away. Spotting cavities will lead to immediate cavity prevention treatment.
Oral cancer
A dental checkup for kids may also include an oral cancer screening. Early detection often leads to the early treatment of this condition. The dentist can search for significant signs of oral cancer. Here are some of them:
- Ear pain.
- Mouth pain.
- Changes in the texture of oral tissue.
- Lump in the neck.
- Red or white patches in the mouth.
- A mouth sore that does not go away.
It is easier to treat oral cancer in its early stages. A more comprehensive screening will need additional tests, such as dental X-rays. This type of screening can be scary. But if the results are clear, the child and parent can go home feeling good about the dental checkup for kids.
Cosmetic dental issues
Most parents bring their children in for a dental checkup for kids because of dental treatments. The dentist may notice some cosmetic dental problems while assessing or treating the child’s mouth. The child’s current health problem may also be a result of these issues, such as dental misalignment. Imaging exams may reveal the need for dental straightening. This will need a referral to a dentist who has more knowledge of this type of treatment.
The child may also suffer from dental stains or damage. These cosmetic dental issues may cause the child to suffer from low self-esteem and embarrassment. They could also make socializing difficult for the child. The dental checkup for kids can provide immediate treatments like dental bonding.
Pointers for a pleasant dental checkup for kids
Sometimes, it can be difficult to persuade the child to come in for a dental checkup for kids. Knowing the child well can help the parent set the schedule for the visit. Focusing on the child’s behavior and preferences can help. Here are some valuable pointers to ensure a pleasant dental checkup for kids:
- The parent can bring the child during a dental appointment so that the parent can see what the child’s reaction would be.
- Say positive things about the dentist and the checkup.
- See to it that the child pays full attention to the dentist.
- Arrive early so that the child can get comfortable in the clinic first.
- Do a fun activity on appointment day.
- Morning visits will make the child feel awake for the dental visit.
The dentist will look for specific conditions during a dental checkup for kids
Bringing your child in for a dental checkup for kids will enable the doctor to check for any brewing dental issues, including oral cancer. Important diagnostic exams can help the dentist spot specific problems. After making a diagnosis, your dentist can suggest treatments. Simple dental issues like cavities can receive fillings and preventive treatments right away. Working with your dentist can maintain your child’s dental health during the formative years and beyond.
Request an appointment or call Fullerton Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry at 714-459-8060 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
Related Posts
Dentists often focus on preventive care and can avoid extensive treatments on children's teeth. However, there are cases where they need to repair existing damage with a baby root canal. Baby root canals help preserve the health of a child's primary teeth. Primary teeth are essential to speaking, chewing, and having enough room for their…
One of the most important things a pediatric dentist does is teach children's tooth care to children and their parents. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of their first tooth eruption or by their first birthday. These visits should continue once every six months so dentists can catch oral health problems early…
As children grow and develop, maintaining good oral health is essential to their general health and well-being. Regular visits to a children's dentist can make the process easier. These visits ensure the health of their teeth and help create positive associations with dental care, making it a lifelong habit. Here are some routine treatments offered…