Dental Exams and Cleanings

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your child’s teeth and mouth is very important for the well-being of his or her entire body. While routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your child’s smile looking its best, visiting our office for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.

The American Dental Association recommends that every child visit the dentist every six months to ensure that his or her teeth stay healthy and smile stays beautiful.

By routinely seeing the dentist for exams and cleanings, your child can:

• Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
• Avoid costly and extensive dental procedures
• Have white teeth by reducing staining from food and drinks
• Shorten the time spent in the dentist’s office
• Have a smile that will last a lifetime

The Exam

During your child’s exam, Dr. Jensen will thoroughly examine your little one’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. He may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help our team discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Cleanings

One of our assistants will take X-rays as needed, then polish and floss your son or daughter’s teeth while the patient is laid back in a comfortable chair with headphones and TV to watch throughout the cleaning.

Next, the hygienist will carefully clean your child’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (calculus). Then the hygienist will floss your child’s teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.

Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your child has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let the hygienist or assistant know. If the Dr. Jensen or the hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, he or she will talk to you about changing your youngster’s brushing or flossing habits.

In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your child’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, Dr. Jensen will probably recommend your child continue his or her brushing and flossing routine as before.