It is fairly common for children to have some anxiety or fear towards going to a dentist or a doctor. One common reason for that fear is that they are not sure what will happen during their appointment. Many children can actually be put at ease by learning more about the process of a typical check-up, what they can expect, and why the dentist is doing what they are doing. That is why in this article we will cover the core components of a regular dental visit. And for families looking to get dental procedures for their kids, we provide appointments in Lisbon Maine.
What Happens During A Dental Cleaning?
While every dentist is different there are some core components that happen at almost any regular cleaning. During a dental cleaning, your hygienist will professionally clean your teeth. This includes brushing and flossing the teeth. During this time they might share some tips with kids to help them improve their own brushing and flossing. They will also likely scrape of plaque. Plaque can grow near the gumline and can be almost impossible to remove with brushing and flossing. So this is an important part of a dental treatment.
When Do Kids Get Dental X-Rays, Fluoride, & Dental Sealants
There are a few dental procedures that can happen during a cleaning but might not happen every time:
- Dental X-Rays: Dental X-rays are often done every single year instead of every six months. An X-ray is a form of radiation that allows dentists to see beneath the gums. For kids, this means seeing how teeth are coming in as well as any signs of decay between teeth or under the gums. The radiation used for a Dental X-Ray is much less than what is used in a medical X-Ray and is completely safe.
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is a chemical known for making stronger bones and teeth. During a fluoride treatment, a coating is placed over the teeth that sits on them for a few minutes before being rinsed off. This treatment can add extra strength to teeth and make them more resistant to cavities.
- Dental Sealants: A dental sealant is a special coating that sits on the chewing surface of molars. This procedure can add additional protection to one of the most vulnerable sections of our teeth.
What Happens During A Dental Exam?
After your child has their teeth professionally cleaned, they will spend some time with the dentist. Their dentist will take a look at their x-rays as well as their teeth and look for any signs of cavities or other dental issues. If there is an issue they might need your kid to return to have the problem addressed.
Family Dental Office in Lisbon
If you are interested in learning more about dental procedures like Invisalign braces and live in the Southern Maine area, we would be happy to set up a general dental appointment or cosmetic dental appointment at our office in Lisbon.