How Often Should My Child Need to Get Oral Checkup?

Why Are Dental Checkups Important?

Pediatric dental checkups ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are healthy. These checkups usually happen once every six months, although your child may need more or less frequent checkups depending on their individual needs. The dentist will look for diseases or oral infection signs and diagnose and treat any present problems.

The dentist can also perform x-rays to check for cavities, abscesses, cysts, and even cancerous tumors inside the mouth.

What Is Involved in Kids’ Dental Checkups?

Your pediatric dentist in Roanoke will assess your child’s overall health and oral hygiene during a pediatric dental checkup. They will look for underlying issues and evaluate tooth decay risks and your child’s thumb-sucking habits to identify possible problems.

If the dentist suspects your child has tooth decay, he can apply a fluoride application to their permanent molars. This application has a higher fluoride concentration than toothpaste, which can prevent cavities and improve oral health.

In general, children’s dental checkups involve cleaning and fluoride treatments. Fluoride treatment is an important part of preventative dentistry, and your child will benefit from regular visits to the dentist. Fluoride treatment can help keep your child’s teeth clean and prevent problems like tooth decay.

How Often Should My Child Get An Oral Checkup?

According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), children should receive dental checkups every six months to prevent cavities and other problems. But every child is different, and their dental needs vary as well. Visit a pediatric dental office in Roanoke if you are unsure of the frequency of getting a dental cleaning checkup.

What are the Benefits of Pediatric Dental Checkups?

Not only can regular dental checkups help you detect problems early, but they can also prevent cavities and childhood periodontal disease.

• • Early detection of tooth decay

Tooth decay is a serious issue and can lead to pain, infection, and poor growth. Signs of tooth decay can include white or brown patches on teeth, red or swollen gums, and even broken teeth. Prevention involves regular dental checkups and healthy eating habits. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria living in the mouth produce acids that eat away at the surface of the teeth.

Gum disease can cause pain and other issues with eating, speaking, and general health. Regular cleanings and x-rays can help dentists in 24018 detect early tooth decay. Also, regular dental checkups can help prevent chronic bad breath, which is a sign of other health problems.

• • Prevention of cavities

Among the most important factors for preventing cavities in children are daily oral hygiene practices, a healthy diet, and regular pediatric dental checkups. Cavities are common among children but can be prevented by establishing good oral hygiene habits. Sugary foods and drinks can contribute to the formation of cavities. Tooth decay is common and can lead to pain, infection, and poor school performance. Sugary snacks are the most common cause of cavities, particularly in younger children. Fortunately, cavities can be prevented with regular dental checkups and fluoride treatments.

You should also limit sugary foods and encourage regular brushing and flossing at home. By working closely with your child’s dentist, you can ensure that your child maintains good dental health.

• • Prevention of childhood periodontal disease

In children, regular dental checkups and oral hygiene are critical to prevent gum disease. Children are prone to gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease. Early signs of gingivitis include bleeding gums, which can be reversed by brushing and flossing regularly. Unfortunately, chronic gingivitis can lead to more serious problems, including periodontal disease.

Tooth decay in children is a major problem, affecting 20 percent of children aged five to 11. If left untreated, a cavity in a primary tooth can damage the adult teeth developing underneath. Early tooth loss can result in crooked, crowded permanent teeth. Routine dental checkups help prevent these issues by detecting early signs of tooth decay.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Kids First Dental for more information about pediatric dental checkups, cleaning, and what to expect.