5 Important Benefits of Routine Dental Exams for Kids
When your little one's teeth and mouth are developing, they should see a dentist at least twice a year. The experienced team of pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dentist offers routine dental exams and cleaning for children of all ages in Phoenix, Arizona.
Regular dental care visits benefit children in various ways, and below, we list five important benefits of routine dental exams for kids.
1. Observing teeth and mouth development
One of the most important benefits of bringing your child to My Kidz Dentist early is that the dentist can look at their teeth and mouth and ensure everything is developing properly. And should they notice a problem—like tooth decay—they can treat this immediately before it worsens.
A dentist can also identify teeth that are coming in incorrectly and perform extraction, if necessary, or plan for orthodontic care as needed.
2. Cleaning and flossing
Cleaning and flossing are both incredibly important, and there is often a buildup of plaque even when children brush their teeth regularly. Routine dental exams include professional cleaning by a hygienist to remove plaque before cavities form.
Our team will clean their teeth and gums, remove any plaque and tartar, polish the teeth, and then floss their teeth. Your child's hygienist will likely use tools specifically designed for children to make the cleaning experience as painless as possible.
3. Getting routine X-rays
A child needs to get dental X-rays about every other year. X-rays can detect dental issues that your dentist can't see with the naked eye, including cavities and certain gum diseases. An X-ray will not harm your child, as their radiation exposure will be minimal.
4. Treating with fluoride
Our team can apply a fluoride mixture to your child's teeth, keeping the teeth strong and healthy long after the visit. This treatment is usually performed near the end of the cleaning procedure. Fluoride can help prevent cavities, and since it comes in a range of pleasant flavors, kids typically don't have an issue with this treatment.
5. Reinforcing the importance of dental hygiene
If your child sees the same dentist routinely, they'll likely develop a positive relationship and eventually understand the importance of dental hygiene. Getting your child to the dentist early on in life will help them develop a positive view of dentists generally, and if they don't fear the dentist when they're young, it's likely they won't have an issue going to the dentist as an adult.
If your child has begun to get teeth, and you have not yet scheduled their first dentist visit, call one of the three practice locations in Phoenix, or use our convenient online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.