Just like an adult, your child should receive regular cleanings and checkups once every six months (twice a year). We do our best to make these visits fun and easy for your child. Some children may need to come in more than twice a year if they have an increased risk for tooth decay or other conditions.
After your child’s first visit, which should take place during his or her first year, regular teeth cleanings should begin around age three. Even if your child never gets cavities, regular cleanings by a dental professional remove buildup that brushing and flossing alone can’t remove.
What happens during a pediatric dental checkup?
When you bring your child to our pediatric dentistry office in Amarillo for a regular cleaning and checkup appointment, our caring doctors will review your child’s health history, perform an oral exam, take any needed X-rays, and gently clean and polish the teeth.
The Exam
Regular checkups are key to assessing and treating changes in your child’s oral health. After reviewing your child’s medical history, your pediatric dentist will examine the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues to ensure that everything is healthy. In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidelines, X-rays will only be advised when they are necessary to protect your child’s dental health. No scans will be taken without the explicit permission of a parent or caregiver.
Dr. Lorra and Dr. Sean will discuss any recommended treatment with you and your child to ensure that everyone feels comfortable before moving forward. We take care to use simple explanations and pictures to help children understand their oral health. X-ray findings will be shown and discussed as well. We may also recommend orthodontic treatment, dietary changes, or other treatments when necessary to protect and improve your child’s health.
Cleaning and Treatments
After the examination, your child’s teeth will be cleaned and polished by a skilled member of our dental assistant team. Our staff specializes in motivating children to care for their smile, and we will teach your child how to properly take care of their teeth. The cleaning is usually followed by a fluoride treatment for added protection against tooth decay. If you and your dentist decided on another treatment, such as sealants to protect the teeth, that treatment might also be applied during the same appointment.
Dentistry for Kids in Amarillo, TX
At AOMS, we do our best to make dental visits fun, easy, and educational for you and your children. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our practice, contact our office in Amarillo, TX, for more information. One of our staff members will be happy to help!