Dental Exam

During your child's first dental visit, the dentist will perform a comprehensive dental checkup. At regular follow-up appointments, your child's pediatric dentist and hygienist will perform the following:

Reviewing Dental X-rays (Radiographs): These are vital for finding decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss that cannot be seen visually. X-rays also help determine the positions of teeth and their roots.
Screening for Oral Cancer: The dentist will check your child's face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Assessing Gum Health: The gums and bone around your child's teeth will be examined for any signs of periodontal disease.
Checking for Cavities: All surfaces of your child's teeth will be carefully examined for decay using specialized dental instruments.
Evaluating Existing Dental Work: Current fillings, crowns, and other restorations will be checked for their condition.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are typically performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your child's cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

Removal of Hardened Deposits (Tartar/Calculus): Tartar is plaque that has hardened on the teeth over time and is now firmly attached. It forms both above and below the gum line and can only be removed with specialized dental tools.
Removal of Soft Deposits (Plaque): Plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible film that constantly forms on teeth. It's a colony of living bacteria, food remnants, and saliva. These bacteria release toxins (poisons) that irritate the gums, leading to the start of gum disease.
Teeth Polishing: This helps to remove surface stains and any remaining plaque that might not have been removed by brushing and scaling.