Routine Pediatric Dental CareReston, VA

Planning Routine Dental Care

Routine exams and cleanings represent a must. Even patients who maintain good oral hygiene need regular checkups. Most patients should plan to see their dental provider every six months. But in some cases, more frequent exams may be necessary. Your dentist can develop a customized appointment schedule.

During a checkup, the dentist examines the patient's teeth. They often take X-rays or perform other screenings. Next, they administer an in-depth cleaning. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tarter. These substances increase the patient's risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing alone can't remove plaque buildup. Professional cleaning gets rid of stubborn plaque before it can cause cavities.

Many children get nervous about dental visits, and routine checkups can leave children restless. Parents can help promote good behavior by modeling healthy dental habits. Let your children see you visit the dentist, and talk to them about your dental visits. Books and television programs about dental visits can help, too. They let your children know what to expect on the big day.

Establish routine dental visits as a normal, predictable activity. The office staff can often schedule appointments well in advance. Making appointments ahead of time allows your family to prepare. Advance appointments ensure that you never forget a dental visit.

What to Expect During Checkup

During a routine pediatric visit, the dentist examines and cleans your child's teeth. If your child has a cavity, the provider makes arrangements to fill it. Minor dental problems, like chipped or cracked teeth, can usually be repaired in-office. In some cases, the dentist may schedule a separate appointment to finish the treatment.

A routine appointment might include preventive treatments like dental sealants. Dentists apply sealants to newly erupted molars to prevent decay. Sealants can help reduce a patient's risk of cavities. Your provider can offer a suggested timeline for sealants and other preventive care.

If your child has unique dental needs, they might need to see the dentist more often. Your provider can offer more information about specialized care plans. Severe injuries might need special attention, too. In the event of a jaw injury or knocked-out tooth, you may receive a referral to another provider.

Many pediatric patients receive orthodontic evaluations as part of their routine childhood care. The dentist may perform this evaluation in the office or refer your child out. If your child needs braces, the provider can discuss treatment costs and expectations. Keep in mind that these will vary between patients.

Routine At-Home Dental Care

Parents can protect their children's oral health by encouraging daily brushing and flossing. Both children and adults should brush and floss twice daily. Some patients may need to brush after every meal.

Ensure that your child flosses thoroughly and brushes for at least two minutes. Sloppy brushing can lead to tooth decay. It may be helpful to set a timer to make sure your child doesn't skimp on their oral hygiene. Stickers or reward charts can help, too. Ask your child's dental provider for tips on establishing healthy habits.

Avoid sugary drinks like juice or soda, and don't put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup. Dentists recommend switching children to a normal cup around their first birthday. Using a normal cup may take some practice. But giving up a bottle or sippy cup early on may help protect your children's teeth.

Model good oral hygiene at home. Brush or floss daily, and talk to your children about your dental appointments. Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, and opt for plain water. Explain to your children that sugar can damage teeth. If you prioritize dental health, your children will learn to do the same.

Planning for Follow-Up Care

Not every dental procedure can be performed during a routine office visit. Sometimes, dentists may need to schedule another appointment. Patients might need to return another time for a filling or deep cleaning. Dentists also use follow-up appointments to monitor the results of complex dental procedures.

If you need a follow-up visit, your provider can let you know when these visits will occur. They can explain how many visits are needed and complete treatment.

Before each dental visit:

• Check with the office to confirm the appointment
• Determine what information the patient needs to bring
• Pack dental paperwork, ID cards, and payment methods
• Ask whether the child should brush and floss in advance

Avoid eating or drinking during the hour before the appointment. But try not to bring your child to the office with an empty stomach, either. Tired or hungry children often have trouble sitting through an exam or procedure. A light snack or meal a few hours before the visit can help children stay calm.