Pediatric Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning in Virginia Beach

When Should I Get My Child a Pediatric Dental Exam?

You can start your child off with a lifetime of good dental health if you begin regular exams when they turn one. First, exams get your child used to visiting a dentist and they are not stressful at all. There are no x-rays or teeth cleanings for one-year-old children. The pediatric dental exam is a chance for parents and caregivers to learn about taking care of a bay's first teeth and ask questions about thumb sucking and other concerns.

If you're looking for a dental home for a pediatric dental exam in Virginia Beach, please call us to arrange an initial appointment. We offer a range of services for children of all ages, including:

1. Treating dental decay (cavities)
2. Preventative treatments
3. Professional teeth cleanings
4. Treatment for gum disease
5. Oral cancer screenings
6. Checking for any teeth or jaw growth abnormalities
7. Parental and caregiver instruction about teething, pacifier use, and more
8. Treating common dental injuries in children

Did you know a pediatric dentist can help your child's overall health? Your child's mouth is the entry point for bacteria to their body. A dentist can prevent bacteria in the mouth from spreading throughout their body, causing serious problems.

We create a friendly atmosphere for children and we're always approachable if you have any questions. We treat patients ranging from babies getting their first teeth to teens.

Where Do I Go for a Kid’s Teeth Cleaning?

At our office, we're experts at providing professional cleanings for children, typically starting at age two or three. Regular cleanings are just as important for children as they are for adults. Professional cleanings help prevent plaque build-up, cavities, and gingivitis. The cleanings give us a chance to see if there are any areas your kids are missing while brushing. We're very gentle with kids and can make a teeth cleaning a fun experience.

When plaque builds up, it can harden into tartar. If you notice your child's gums look red, puffy, and they bleed when your child brushes, please call us right away. Your child may have gingivitis. It is reversible with a teeth cleaning and better oral hygiene habits. Without gum disease treatment, it can advance to a more serious form of the disease.

When Do Pediatric Dentists Take X-Rays?

We usually start taking x-rays when your child is a toddler. These help ensure your child's jaw and teeth are aligned properly. X-rays are the ideal diagnostic tool for finding decay between teeth before it causes your child pain. We always take your child's oral health and risk factors for dental decay into account when deciding when to take x-rays. At our office, we take every safety precaution to ensure your child has minimal exposure to radiation. If you have any questions about why your child needs x-rays, our staff would be happy to explain our reasons to you.

Why Does My Child Have Bad Breath?

Kids can have chronic bad breath, called halitosis, just like adults. It's just as embarrassing for them, too. Your child could have plaque on their teeth that harbors bacteria, which a teeth cleaning can remove. They could also have a decaying tooth. Chronic bad breath can also be a sign of gum disease needing professional periodontal treatment. If a thorough tooth brushing after meals, which includes brushing the tongue, is not helping, please call us for an appointment and bring your child for a pediatric dental exam. Our pediatric dentists can help with advice and treatment.

Can Children Get Oral Cancer?

Yes, although adults have a much higher risk. We like to be cautious and do oral cancer screenings on children because the earlier it is detected, the higher the survival rate. An oral cancer screening is not invasive in any way; it is just a visual exam. Your child won't mind; the most they have to do is stick out their tongue. We urge you to bring your child in for a regular exam, not only to detect any changes in their mouth that could indicate oral cancer, but to keep their dental health in check.

If you're searching for a dental office for your child's pediatric dental exam in Virginia Beach, call us today. We look forward to serving you and your child.