Take Control of Your Child’s Oral Health with Pediatric Dental Cleanings and Regular Checkups
As parents, it’s our joy to see our children flash healthy, beautiful smiles. One way to ensure a great smile is through preventive dental cleanings and regular checkups in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Developing good oral habits from a tender age creates a solid foundation for your child’s teeth to grow and remain healthy for a lifetime. Pediatric dental checkups and cleanings at Simply Kids Dental prevents decay, infections, bad breath, and other problems for an issue-free smile. We’re committed to partnering with you to deliver comprehensive dental care for your child. Our team will guide you through the process and demonstrate how to effectively maintain your child’s smile at home.
What should I expect during a regular checkup?
The earliest your child should see a dentist is either when their first tooth comes in or their first birthday. After that, the child should visit a dentist at least twice every year.
During regular checkups, our office conducts thorough examinations of your little one’s teeth and gums to detect any potential issues, including:
- Checking for problems that may not be visible or felt by your child
- Looking for cavities or other signs of tooth decay
- Inspecting the teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Evaluating dental misalignment
Our goal is to ensure your child’s oral health is carefully monitored and any concerns are addressed promptly to maintain their healthy smile.
Where necessary, we’ll use dental X-rays to have a clearer picture of your child’s oral structures beneath the surface. Are you worried about dental X-rays? Don’t be! We only recommend dental X-rays when they’re absolutely necessary. What’s more, we use the safest modern X-rays that emit 80-90% less radiation than film-based X-rays.
After the dental exam, we’ll discuss the findings with you and devise a treatment plan to restore your child’s smile. Possible treatments include pediatric fillings, crowns, and periodontal care. We’ll use the most conservative treatments to restore oral health. If your child has a clean bill of oral health, we’ll proceed with dental cleaning.
What should I expect from dental cleaning?
During a routine dental cleaning, the dental hygienist uses gentle skills and instruments to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from all areas of the mouth. If left unaddressed, dental calculus attracts decay, infections, and bad breath.
After a thorough cleaning, we’ll polish your child’s teeth to eliminate surface stains and leave them with a shiny, smooth appearance. Regular visits to our office every six months provide you and your child with the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your family’s oral health with our pediatric doctor.
How often should routine dental exams and cleanings be?
It is recommended that your child undergo dental cleanings and checkups every six months. Fluoride treatments are suggested twice yearly during these visits to bolster tooth strength. Additionally, tooth sealants are advised as they effectively seal deep grooves in your child’s teeth, safeguarding against decay in the deep grooves of teeth. While sealants typically last for several years, they are routinely assessed during your child’s regular checkups to ensure optimal protection against decay.
Dental exams provide the perfect opportunity to address any dental concerns, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and pacifier use. We take advantage of this time to educate both parents and children on optimal dental care practices, including oral hygiene, nutrition, and more.
Besides education, pediatric dental visits offer the following benefits:
- Early detection of oral issues
- Prevention of dental problems
- They prevent unnecessary discomfort
- They are cost-effective in the long run
- Discuss the advantages of a nutritious diet
- Maintain a beautiful smile
Ultimately, routine pediatric dental visits cultivate a healthy attitude toward dental care and oral health. Your child learns that dental visits are a normal part of maintaining their health and well-being, leading to a lifetime of good oral habits and overall wellness.
Is it time for a pediatric dental exam?
Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or just a continuation of ongoing care, we welcome you to Simply Kids Dental—call (719) 249-2030 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Vostatek and his team can’t wait to help your child maintain a healthy smile for many, many years to come.