What to Expect During a Kids Dentist Checkup Appointment

Kids dentists are pediatric dentists dedicated to providing foundational oral care to children. Some will see children as young as 12 months up to teenagers. We understand children may be a bit anxious about their first dental appointment. However, there are steps parents can take to help ease their child into a dental care routine they are comfortable with.

The check-in process

Kids dentists understand that kids can feel restless or anxious in new environments. That is why our entire team is committed to making the process as smooth as possible for both the patient and the parent. Our waiting room is a vibrant, kid-friendly space adorned with bright colors, animated objects, and sometimes toys and games to keep the patient engaged. The dental office encourages parents to arrive at least 15 minutes before the appointment to complete the necessary paperwork, which includes insurance information and medical history reviews.

Imaging testing and physical examination

After the check-in process, patients and parents will have an opportunity to meet one of our team members, who will assist in taking X-rays of the mouth. This step is only necessary for new patients or those without updated imaging on file. The process moves relatively quickly, requiring the child to stand still at the X-ray machine. The technician will have them bite down on a covered portion of the machine as a technician takes pictures of various angles of the mouth.

Once they have enough clear images, the technician will escort the child to the care room. If the patient is not old enough, they may ask the parent additional questions. However, for the most part, they will get to know each other until the dental hygienist or kids dentist arrives to perform the physical examination.

The primary aim of the physical examination is to assess how well the patient is keeping up with their oral hygiene routine and whether abnormalities, such as disease, infection, or sores, are present. The dental hygienist or kids dentist may use small tools to poke around the soft tissues, but no pain is associated with this portion of the appointment.

Professional cleaning

Professional cleanings are an opportunity to educate the child and parent on how to clean the teeth properly and the importance of proper technique. As they remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque), they can recommend appropriate diet choices and products that better serve the patient's unique needs. We will use various tools such as a toothbrush, floss, dental refractor, and a scaler. Therefore, the patient's gums may feel a bit sensitive following the appointment, but this feeling should dissipate within 24 hours.

Preventative suggestions

The dental checkup is one large examination. Every step the kids dentist takes is to ensure the health of the mouth and prevent threats to the patient's development. Therefore, they may suggest certain services like fluoride treatments or dental sealants to protect the teeth in the long run. Fluoride treatments use highly concentrated amounts of fluoride to strengthen the teeth, making it difficult for decay to populate. Dental sealants, however, are hardened polishes that keep debris and bacteria from becoming trapped in the grooves of teeth, making it difficult for decay to populate.