Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids – Denton, TX

Routine Care to Protect Your Child’s Smile

Little girl in teal dental chair about to have teeth examined

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends taking your child for their first dental exam when their first tooth arrives, or usually when they’re about one year old? After that, they suggest scheduling a checkup and cleaning every 6 months to help prevent oral issues such as cavities, gum disease, or injuries.

Our team in Denton is happy to provide routine care to protect your child’s smile. Continue reading to learn more about what you and your family can expect from these standard visits!

Why Choose Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids?

  • Dentists with Decades of Combined Experience
  • Options for Sedation Available
  • Advanced Technology for Enhanced Accuracy

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Children Important?

Little boy in dental chair brushing model teeth held by dentist

Many parents assume that their child’s mouth must be healthy if they haven’t noticed any apparent issues, but unfortunately, that’s not always true. Brushing and flossing twice daily at home can help prevent many concerns, but bacteria in the mouth can cause problems you might miss. For example, early gum disease often doesn’t show visible symptoms until it progresses, and cavities can develop in hard-to-see places, such as between teeth.

Meanwhile, our team has the experience and technology to quickly identify potential problems and address them before they escalate. This can help preserve your child’s still-developing smile and prevent the need for more complex, costly treatments. Plus, this gives us the opportunity to start teaching them the value of properly maintaining their teeth and gums.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup for My Child

Dentist examining girl’s mouth with mom standing behind dental chair

Although it may vary slightly depending on your unique circumstances, usually our team starts by updating your kid’s medical history to note any changes in diagnoses, procedures, prescription medications, or supplements they take regularly. Then, we’ll visually examine their teeth, gums, any dental work, and their bite alignment to ensure everything is in good shape.

We also include a soft-tissue screening for oral cancer and will take X-rays at least once annually to ensure nothing has developed beneath the surface of their teeth, gums, or jawbone. If we find any issues, we’ll provide an appropriate treatment plan for your approval and take the time to answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental health.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning for Kids

Dentist in blue gloves polishing girl’s teeth

Once we’ve examined your child’s condition, we’ll then proceed with professional cleaning before completing their visit. This helps remove stubborn plaque, tartar, and bacteria to avoid common concerns, like tooth decay, periodontal problems, and even chronic bad breath.

First, our team uses specialized instruments to carefully remove any buildup of plaque and tartar from your child’s enamel and along their gumline. Next, we’ll carefully floss between each tooth to remove any germs hiding there. We might also recommend a topical fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel before polishing their teeth to a shine and returning them to your care.