Dental Check Up for Kids: What a Dentist Looks For

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.