Pediatric Dental Exam & Teeth Cleaning

About Dental Exams & Teeth Cleanings

Pediatric dental exams and teeth cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your child’s oral health.
Regular check-ups and cleanings not only keep their teeth and gums healthy but also help prevent more serious dental problems in the future.

At Stanley Pediatric Dentist of Overland Park, we are committed to providing gentle and comprehensive dental care for children from infants to teens.

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Why Are Pediatric Dental Exams Important?

Regular dental exams are crucial for children as their teeth and jaw are still developing.

These exams allow our pediatric dentists to monitor the growth and development of your child’s oral health. They will identify any potential dental issues early on, and provide necessary treatment to prevent them from progressing.

Pediatric dental exams are important for several reasons:

• Early detection of dental issues: Regular check-ups allow the dentist to catch potential problems early on, such as cavities or misaligned teeth.
• Prevention of serious dental issues: By identifying and treating issues early, pediatric exams can help prevent more serious dental problems from developing in the future.
• Monitoring growth and development: As children grow, their teeth and jaw structure also change. Regular exams allow the dentist to monitor development and address concerns.
• Establishing good oral hygiene habits: Dental exams provide an opportunity for dentists to educate children and parents on proper oral hygiene habits, which can prevent dental problems in the future.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Dental Exam

The dentist will use a small mirror and “tooth counter” to view inside the child’s mouth and examine the teeth, gums, tongue, and bite. 

The dentist will show the child her fancy magnifying glasses with a built-in flashlight and explain how they help her see inside their dark mouth. To protect the child’s eyes, she will also provide them with sunglasses.

Younger patients may be more comfortable having their dental exam in their parent’s lap instead of the dental chair. This is called a knee to knee or lap exam as the dentist and parent sit in chairs with their knees touching.  

The child starts sitting up on the parents lap facing them with a leg on either side. The child then lays back, so their head is resting in the dentist’s lap, and their body is laying on the parent.  

This technique allows the child to see their parent, and have the parent hold their hands for safety and comfort, while allowing the dentist a good view inside the mouth.

At some appointments we will take digital x-rays to get a more detailed view of your child’s teeth and jaw structure. These images help us identify underlying issues that may not be visible to the naked eye such as cavities in between the teeth or problems with teeth that have not yet erupted. 

Teen Dental Exams

As your child reaches their teenage years, their oral health needs may change.

Hormonal changes during puberty can make them more susceptible to dental problems like gum disease.

A teen dental exam is much the same as a pediatric dental exam, but with a focus on addressing any concerns specific to their age group.

This may include wisdom teeth evaluation, orthodontic treatment, and education on the importance of good oral hygiene habits as we see an uptick in cavities during the teenage years. 

Dr. Alex, our ‘teen dentist’, is experienced in providing age-appropriate care for teenagers and making them feel comfortable during their visits.

Education on Proper Oral Hygiene

Our hygiene team will educate you and your child on proper oral hygiene practices. 

They will demonstrate the correct way to brush and floss as well as provide advice on maintaining other good oral health habits at home. 

We believe that prevention is best, and by teaching children how to take care of their teeth early on, we can help them maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime.

We will demonstrate the correct way to brush and floss and provide tips on maintaining good oral health habits at home.

For teens, we may also discuss the potential impact of diet and lifestyle choices on their oral health. Habits such as smoking, vaping, or late night snacking, excessive drink consumption, and poor snack choices can affect their teeth and overall health.

We believe in providing evidence-based information to help our patients and their parents make informed decisions about their oral health.

Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings

Professional teeth cleanings are essential for good oral hygiene.

Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque, stain, and tartar can build up on teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease.

During a professional cleaning, our dental hygienist will use special tools to remove any plaque and build-up called tartar or calculus. They will floss to clean and check the gums as well as polish the teeth for a bright and healthy smile.

What to Expect During a Kids Teeth Cleaning

Our friendly dental hygienists create a comfortable and fun environment for your child during their teeth cleaning.

They will use kid-friendly tools and explain each step of the dental cleaning process to help your child feel at ease.

The cleaning will include the following steps:

• Plaque and tartar removal using a scaler
• Polishing with a rotating brush and special toothpaste
• Flossing to remove any remaining plaque or debris between teeth
• Fluoride treatment to strengthen and protect their teeth

The Importance of Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. It can even reverse early signs of decay!

When applied to your child’s teeth during a cleaning, fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth.

It is especially important for children to receive fluoride treatments as their developing teeth are more susceptible to decay. Regular fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities and maintain healthy teeth.

A special type of fluoride called Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is sometimes used to treat small cavities in children who may not be able to cooperate for fillings or crowns.  It is a non-invasive and painless treatment that takes less than 90 seconds per area.

Common Dental Problems in Kids and Teens

Early identification of these issues allows us to intervene early and prevent more severe dental complications in the future.

Dental problems often seen in children include: 

• Cavities: Also known as tooth decay or dental caries, this is an active disease caused by bacteria. It occurs when bacteria produce acids that damage the teeth, causing holes or cavities. It is the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Frequent consumption of sugary, starchy, or acidic snacks or drinks and improper brushing/flossing can increase the risk of developing cavities.
• Gum disease: Early signs of gum disease, such as gingivitis, can appear in children and teens, especially if oral hygiene is neglected. Symptoms include swollen, red gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing.
• Misaligned teeth: Many children and teens experience misalignment of teeth as a result of genetics or habits like thumb-sucking. This can lead to bite problems and may require orthodontic treatment.
• Tooth sensitivity: This issue can occur in children and teens experiencing tooth decay, enamel wear, hypomineralisation or gum recession. Sensitive teeth may react to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli, causing discomfort.
• Excessive tooth wear: Tooth wear can be influenced by high levels of acid in the mouth due to diet, acid reflux, or frequent vomiting.  It is most often caused by teeth grinding (a condition known as bruxism).  While tooth grinding is common in children and often causes no long term damage, excessive tooth wear on baby teeth or wear on adult teeth may need to be addressed. 
• Impacted wisdom teeth: As teens approach adulthood, wisdom teeth should be evaluated by x-ray for possible impaction or insufficient space for eruption.  You may be referred to an Oral Surgeon to have them removed to avoid future problems. 
• Impacted canines:  Canines (or “eye teeth”) are the last front teeth to emerge in the mouth, and they can become impacted if they are at an improper angle or there is not enough space for them to come in properly. This can be identified and evaluated by x-rays taken as specific developmental ranges.  Early detection greatly increases the chances of a positive outcome. Treatment may require removal of baby canines to clear a path and orthodontic intervention.
• Oral injuries: Active play and sports can lead to dental injuries, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth, which may necessitate emergency dental care.
• Bad breath: Often the result of inadequate oral hygiene, halitosis, or bad breath, can be embarrassing for children and teens and may indicate an underlying dental issue.

Partner With a Pediatric Dentist for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

A pediatric dentist sees only children, providing specialized care and tailored treatments to meet their unique needs.

Pediatric dentists complete at least 2 years of additional training after dental school to learn advanced dental techniques, oral growth and child development, behavior guidance techniques, and how to treat children with special healthcare needs. 

They are also experienced in creating a positive and comfortable environment for kids, making dental visits a more enjoyable experience.

By partnering with a pediatric dentist, you can ensure your child receives the best possible care for their developing teeth and gums.

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