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. Although 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 your child visit us every six months to ensure his or her teeth stay healthy and smile remains beautiful.

By routinely seeing Dr. Voss 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 our office
Have a smile that will last a lifetime

The Exam

During your child’s exam, we will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Dr. Voss may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. Digital X-rays will help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Professional Cleanings

The dental hygienist will begin your child’s cleaning by exploring the surface of the teeth to determine if there are any cavities, and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your little one’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.

Next, the hygienist will carefully clean the patient’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Then we 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 us know. If we find tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your son or daughter’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. Voss will probably recommend that your child continue his or her brushing and flossing routine as usual.