Children’s Dental Exams

Has your child’s first tooth come in? Has he had his first birthday? If you answered yes to either question then it is time to take your child to the dentist’s office for a well baby dental checkup. Parents should bring their child with them to the dentist’s office before the child is six months of age. It seems early in a child’s life but dental professionals can identify conditions such as baby bottle tooth decay and other developmental problems at a young age.

Not only can a dental exam identify serious oral conditions, it can also serve as a way to make children more comfortable in the exam chair. Some children immediately think they are going to receive an immunization shot when they see scrubs and white coats, but as the child becomes more comfortable, he is more likely to allow the dentist to clean and observe his teeth. Comfort in the exam chair is important as tooth decay can become rampant in a child’s mouth, causing teeth to abscess if not identified and treated.

Your dentist can show you ways to prevent tooth decay in your child’s mouth through healthy habits such as brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, and limiting sugary liquids and snacks.

In between exams, look for the following signs that your child may have dental problems:

• Reluctance to eat hard things
• Tendency to only chew on one side of the mouth
• Touching or fidgeting with a tooth

As a parent it is important to set a good example, especially when it comes to oral health care. You should see a dentist for a periodic cleaning every six months as well. (learn more)