The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests a dental check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of teeth and gums. At these visits, your child’s teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your child’s dental health.

• A medical history review will help the pediatric dentist know the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, and gives insight to your child’s overall health and your child’s dental health. Please inform your pediatric dentist about any changes in your child’s health.

• When appropriate, diagnostic x-rays (radiographs)are used to evaluate the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

• An oral cancer screening exam is done to check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

• Gum disease evaluation is performed to check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of disease.

• All teeth are checked for decay, growth, and development.

• The teeth are cleaned of any hard and soft deposits and the teeth are polished. Your child is given instruction of how to care for the teeth at home.