Pediatric Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning in Virginia Beach

Does Your Child Need a Dentist for a Pediatric Dental Exam in Virginia Beach

If your child is 12 months old, it is time for their first pediatric dental exam. It's good to start early to introduce your child to visiting a dentist. They will learn it's a comfortable, fun time where people fuss over them. Your child's first pediatric dental exam is relatively short. Often you'll hold your baby on your lap and let the dentist look at your baby's teeth, jaws, and gums to check for normal development. As a parent or caregiver, you can learn about teething and keeping your child's teeth clean and healthy.

As your child gets older, your dentist will want to see your child every six months. We offer a wide range of services for children of all ages, including:

• Cavity prevention services, such as fluoride treatments and sealants
• Treating decay
• Oral cancer screenings
• Kid’s teeth cleaning
• Help with teeth grinding
• Gum disease treatment
• Checking for proper oral development
• Care for dental injuries children frequently experience
• Education for parents and caregivers

At our pediatric dental office, we treat a broad range of other child-related dental issues. We understand the special needs children have and how to put them at ease during a pediatric dental exam. Our staff, in addition to our dentists, love children and have experience putting them at ease. Patience is everything when treating children.

Do Kids Need Professional Teeth Cleanings?

Regular professional cleanings will help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy and strong. It isn't always easy for children to clean between their teeth and at the gumline, which is also a problem adults struggle with. Since we know how important teeth cleanings are, we always let your child know what's going to happen and that it won't hurt, no matter the noise they might hear.

Teeth cleanings help prevent cavities. They also help prevent gingivitis, which is gum irritation from plaque. Gums can turn bright red instead of a healthy pink and the gums may look puffy. They may even bleed slightly as your child brushes their teeth. Don't worry, gingivitis is reversible with a teeth cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Without treatment, gingivitis can turn into a more serious form of gum disease that will require periodontal treatment.

Are Pediatric Dental X-Rays Really Necessary?

We use x-rays to assess and monitor your child's dental health development. They are an excellent diagnostic tool that can be used to spot issues, like dental decay, before they become major problems. We are naturally concerned about your child's safety and only take x-rays as necessary. We will take every precaution to keep your child safe. Our pediatric dentists follow the recommendations from The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to decide how often to take x-rays. If you're concerned, please talk to your child's dentist about why an x-ray is necessary.

Why Does My Child Always Have Bad Breath?

Every child and adult gets bad breath sometimes, usually from foods they eat. However, it's a problem if your child has bad breath, or halitosis, all the time. A pediatric dentist will identify the cause, which usually includes poor oral hygiene, cavities, and mouth breathing, which makes the mouth dry. There are also other causes, but they are less common. Please call for an appointment if your child suffers from bad breath; we can treat it and restore their self-esteem.

Why Do Children Get Oral Cancer Screenings?

Our dentists do an oral cancer screening as part of a regular exam. Parents and caregivers are usually worried about cavities in children, but it's possible for children to get oral cancer, although it is very rare. Since early detection can mean the difference between life and death, we screen for it in children. The screening is noninvasive; it's merely a visual exam. Your child won't even realize they are being screened. If you notice anything different in your child's mouth that does not go away, please contact us.

Schedule an appointment with us today if you want your child to have a pediatric dental exam in Virginia Beach with a dentist who is excellent with children. We would love to meet your family.