Are Child Dental Exams Different From Adult Exams?

Posted on 5/1/2024 by Premier Dental

a smiling child in the dental chair giving a thumbs up

As a parent, you want the health of your child to be as perfect as possible, which means you are getting them checked out by a doctor from head to toe. While you are thinking about their health, do not forget to schedule them for a dental exam. Are dental exams for children much different than dental exams for adults?

What Happens During a Dental Exam For Children

Child dental exams may differ from adults, depending on the age of the child. Usually, most children begin visiting the dentist around their first birthday or when their first teeth begin to erupt. For a child who is very young, our dentist may recommend the lap-to-lap method of a dental exam. This method allows you to hold your child while their teeth are being cleaned and checked.

For older children, the standard dental exam usually begins with X-rays. Your child will need an X-ray each year because X-rays track their tooth progression and pinpoint any issues they may have. If your child is young, hygienists may opt for X-rays that do not need them to open their mouths for X-ray equipment.

Once the hygienist finishes taking the dental X-rays, they will clean and polish the teeth with dental tools. Most dentists also advise children to have a fluoride treatment, which is a small glass they rinse with and then spit out the liquid. The fluoride treatment helps their teeth repel the bacterial acid that causes cavities.

The Dental Check

After the teeth are gorgeously cleaned and polished, our dentist will begin the exam. This would be a great time to ask questions about the dental care of your child. In addition, our dentist will advise you of any issues your child may have, such as a cavity or the importance of dental sealants now that their molars have begun to erupt. Again, the younger your child is, the shorter the exam is likely to be, simply because the patience and attention are shorter the younger they are. Our dentist works hard to make sure all child dental exams are as fun and smooth as possible.

Ready to bring your child in for their next visit? Why not contact us today?

Bells
Office

(731) 663-9999

7019 US-412
Bells, TN 38006

Hours:
Mon: 11am - 6pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: By appt
Sat & Sun: Closed

Jackson
Office

(731) 300-3000

80 Exeter Rd
Jackson, TN 38305

Hours:
Mon: 7am - 7pm
Tue: 7am - 7pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: 8am - 3pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

Milan
Office

(731) 613-2800

14029 S 1st St
Milan, TN 38358

Hours:
Mon: 11am - 6pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: By appt
Sat & Sun: Closed

Lexington Office

(731) 617-9818

689 W Church St, Lexington, TN 38351

Hours:
Mon: 11am - 6pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: Closed
Sat & Sun: Closed

About | Premier Dental Center - Bells, Jackson, & Milan, TN
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Premier Dental, 80 Exeter Rd, Jackson, TN 38305 + 731-300-3000 + premdent.com + 12/20/2024 + Key Phrases: Dentist Bells Jackson Milan Lexington +