Dental Check-Ups for Kids
Comprehensive exams are the superheroes of prevention! Regular dental check-ups help to keep cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues away. As a Washington, DC dentist for kids, Dr. Roya Pilcher uses behavior management and relaxation techniques to put children at ease during these visits. She makes the experience engaging, educational and fun (really!) for both children and parents. Read on to learn more about what happens at your child’s dental exam or book a visit at our Spring Valley pediatric dental practice today! Schedule an appointment online or by calling us at (202) 237-2833.
Benefits of Comprehensive Dental Exams
During exams, we can spot signs of oral health issues like tooth decay and keep an eye on the development of kids’ teeth and jaws.
Our pediatric dentist can identify and diagnose problems in their earliest stages, while they’re easier, less invasive and less expensive to treat.
Exams give us the opportunity to educate parents and children on important oral health topics, including diet, hygiene and cavity prevention.
What Happens During a Child’s Comprehensive Dental Exam?
At Smile Valley Pediatric Dentistry, our dentists always let the child set the pace of the visit. So, the exact step-by-step process of a dental exam will be based on your little one’s age, needs and comfort level. We’ll start by using a technique Dr. Pilcher developed called S.A.F.E. (Sequential Approach to Familiarize and Engage). This technique involves helping your child understand any instruments and technology we’ll be using and keeping them engaged in the process using kid-friendly terms and fun games.
Once your child is relaxed and ready, if needed, a team member may take safe, low-dose, digital dental x-rays with our state-of-the-art imaging technology. Your kiddo will then get settled in a comfy treatment chair. For an infant or toddler, we’ll often have them sit on your lap for the exam.
Dr. Roya will use special instruments to count your child’s teeth and take a look at their teeth and gums. If your child has sealants or restorations, the doctor will make sure they’re in good shape too. A cleaning or fluoride treatment may or may not precede the exam, depending on your child’s needs.
At the end of the appointment, Dr. Roya will answer any questions you have. She will also chat with you about things like developing an effective homecare routine, fluoride, cavity prevention, oral habits, and anything else you need to know to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong. When we finish up, of course, your child will score a prize!
Little ones should have their first dental exam by the age of 1.
It’s recommended that children visit the dentist for a check-up at least twice a year, or according to your dentist’s recommendations.
After dental school, a pediatric dentist completes two to three years of speciality training in a pediatric dental residency program.
Happy Patients, Healthy Smiles
At our fun, bright pediatric dental office in Washington, DC, we treat all of our patients like VIPs. Let’s work together to give your child the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve. Schedule a visit at Smile Valley Pediatric Dentistry today!
