Children’s Oral Health Exams

We recommend oral health exams twice a year, and they will most likely take place during your child’s bi-annual teeth cleaning. At our Washington, D.C. office, we will take the time to examine your child’s teeth and make sure they are on their way to healthy smiles for life.

Why We Perform Dental Health Exams

Dental health exams are an essential part of your child’s oral health. Dental health exams allow our dentists to observe the progress of your child’s growing mouth and ensure teeth are erupting appropriately, while discussing your child’s oral health regimen outside of the dentist office and healthy eating habits. This allows your dentist to detect any potential issues early on and take care of them while they’re most treatable. Dental health exams play an important role in preventative care, for their smile and their overall health.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Exam

In our office, we make education a priority. It is our goal to make sure your child learns the importance of daily oral hygiene as early as possible. Dr. Charlie, Dr. Jerry, and their talented staff will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and discuss healthy eating habits.

Our passionate and professional dental hygienists will perform your child’s cleanings. As they use various dental instruments and devices to loosen and remove deposits such as stains, tartar and plaque from teeth, they will educate your child on the process and what each instrument does for his or her teeth. Regularly scheduled cleanings are a time of discovery as our team demonstrates these different tools and aspects of the exam. Additionally, our team will recommend special preventative treatments, such as fluoride and sealants, that will benefit your child’s oral health for life.

During the exam, our pediatric dentist will check your child’s teeth, jaw and oral tissues. The dentist will also look for any abnormalities that may generate problems as your child grows and address them before they develop any further. That includes examining primary or baby teeth and any adult teeth that may be ready to surface. Our dentists and highly trained team will explain anything they notice and let you know if your child needs any follow-up treatment.

If necessary, we will take X-rays during this appointment to help locate cavities or other abnormalities. If our dentists notice any decay, they will recommend appropriate treatment options to get your child’s smile back to optimal health.

At the end of the appointment, your child will be able to pick a prize to take home. Just a little way of letting them know how proud we are to have them as part of our Washington, D.C. patient family!

FAQs About Children’s Oral Exams

At What Age Should I Bring my Child in for their First Oral Exam?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling an initial exam by your child’s first birthday or after your baby’s first tooth erupts.

How Can I Get My Child Ready for Their Dental Visit?

Schedule the appointment at a time of day when your child is well rested and most likely to cooperate. Prepare your child by letting them know the dentist will use special tools to keep their teeth healthy. Avoid sharing any negative words or experiences with your child.

How Often Should I Bring My Child in for Dental cleanings?

Routine dental cleanings are essential for preventive care, so we recommend cleanings twice a year for all pediatric patients in our care. Some children may need more frequent dental visits, due to increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Your child’s dentist will let you know the best appointment schedule for your child to keep them on the path to healthy smiles for life.