The Importance of Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings for Your Kids

Dental health is super important at every stage of life, but as your pediatric dentist in Houston, TX, the team at Park Dentistry for Kids knows good dental habits at a young age help them shape good habits for lifelong dental health. So the top thing to put on your family’s To-Do List for your children’s oral health? A regular kids’ dental exam and cleaning. Here, Dr. Parker and Dr. Sana cover why a dental checkup for kids and a regular professional cleaning make a world of difference.

An early start is the best start! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends thata child’s first dental visit happen by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts. This early start in your children’s oral health is important because it allows your dentist to catch potential problems with oral health before they become more serious. 

So after that first dental visit, how often do kids need a dental exam and cleaning? Most dentists recommend seeing your kids’ smiling faces twice a year, though kids prone to more cavities might visit more often. For most kids, twice-annual visits are enough to help us keep tabs on that oral development we mentioned (kids grow so fast!) and catch any early signs of tooth decay — the most common chronic disease in children in the US. 

As your pediatric dentist in Houston, we’re all about preventative dental care for your young patients, and our team is trained to gently but effectively remove plaque and tartar from your kids’ teeth  — the latter of which only dental cleanings and professional tools can safely remove. We can also apply dental sealants and fluoride treatments to your kids’ teeth to level up protection from decay and cavities.

Regular visits also help pediatric dentists like Dr. Parker and Dr. Sana keep an eye on your child’s oral development. Are your child’s teeth aligning correctly as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth take their place? How is the overall development of your child’s jaw and teeth going? Pediatric dentists can assess whether teeth and jaws are developing for optimum health and functioning and provide treatment or other specialist referrals if needed.

For kids, familiarity equals a sense of comfort and safety. An early first dental visit and regular dental visits afterwards help your child become comfortable in a dental office setting, the routines and tools, and encourage positive feelings towards dental care. Our office at Park Dentistry for Kids is designed with kids’ emotional and physical needs in mind. You’ll first walk into a fun, calm and modern space with a park-like, natural feel. We’ve got toys to play with while you wait, and once it’s your child’s turn, Dr. Parker or Dr. Sana welcome your child with friendliness and patience.

If needed, we’ll talk your child through every step of their dental exam and cleaning or treatment. We’re also trained in gentle, child behavior techniques to ease patients with dental anxiety and help those with special needs get the sparkling smile they deserve.

As we mentioned earlier, preventive dental care helps your pediatric dentist catch and treat small issues before they become big ones. Not only does this help your child avoid possible dental pain or issues with functioning, but it’s also cost-effective. A habit of preventative dental care with regular dental visits can minimize the need for more extensive, costly dental treatments in the future. Not to mention save you time in your already busy schedule. Consider this example: Filling a small cavity is less expensive and less invasive than performing a root canal or pulling a severely decayed tooth.

Every child’s dental needs are unique. Regular dental exams allow dentists to get to know your child over the long term and provide personalized care tailored to your young one’s oral health needs, developmental stage, and your family’s lifestyle. And if we notice misaligned teeth or possible orthodontic issues, we can provide treatment or refer your child to an orthodontist for a straighter, healthier smile.

In kids’ dentistry, a dental exam and cleaning is not just about addressing your child’s teeth during a visit, it’s also any opportunity for your pediatric dentist to educate you and your child about proper oral hygiene at home. A dentist for kids like the team at Park Dentistry can demonstrate effective brushing and flossing techniques and suggest the best tools tailored to your child's needs. These lessons encourage an effective and fun at-home oral health routine that your kid can carry into adulthood.

For parents in Houston looking for a pediatric dentist, Park Dentistry for Kids offers high-quality kids dentistry in a fun and friendly setting. Board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Parker and Dr. Sana combine warmth, compassion, and gentleness with experienced, specialized care in pediatric dentistry — for visits that leave kids (and parents) smiling! 

Contact your pediatric dentist in Houston to schedule a dental check-up and cleaning for your kids and start them on the road to great oral care.