First Dental Visit Checklist

During your child's first dental visit, our dentist will conduct a thorough comprehensive dental exam. At subsequent regular check-up appointments, your child's pediatric dentist and hygienist will perform several key evaluations, including:

Review of diagnostic X-ray images (radiographs): Crucial for identifying cavities, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also aid in understanding the positioning of teeth and their roots.
Oral cancer screening: A careful check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any indications of oral cancer.
Assessment for gum disease: Examining the gums and bone surrounding the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Evaluation for tooth decay: Checking all surfaces of the teeth for cavities using specialized dental tools.
Inspection of current dental work: Examining existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations.

What Happens During a Child Teeth Cleaning?

Typically conducted by Registered Dental Hygienists, professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) for your child involve a thorough dental examination followed by these essential steps:

Eliminating tartar (calculus): This is hardened plaque that has remained on the teeth and is now strongly bonded to the tooth surface, both above and below the gum line. Its removal requires specialized dental tools.
Removing plaque: This is a sticky, nearly invisible film that constantly forms on teeth, consisting of live bacteria, food particles, and saliva. The toxins produced by these bacteria cause gum inflammation, the initial stage of periodontal disease.
Polishing teeth: This process removes surface stains and any lingering plaque that regular brushing and flossing might not eliminate.
Eliminating tartar (calculus): This is hardened plaque that has remained on the teeth and is now strongly bonded to the tooth surface, both above and below the gum line. Its removal requires specialized dental tools.
Removing plaque: This is a sticky, nearly invisible film that constantly forms on teeth, consisting of live bacteria, food particles, and saliva. The toxins produced by these bacteria cause gum inflammation, the initial stage of periodontal disease.
Polishing teeth: This process removes surface stains and any lingering plaque that regular brushing and flossing might not eliminate.