Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids – Portland, OR

Protect and Preserve Your Child’s Still-Developing Smile

Little girl in pink sweater in dental chair preparing for checkup

Many well-intentioned parents and guardians mistakenly believe they should wait until their child has a mouth full of teeth to schedule their first appointment. However, the American Dental Association recommends that your kid has their initial examination when their first tooth appears or about the time they turn a year old.

Visiting our Wolfe Dental Cedar Mill team every six months allows us to protect and preserve your child’s still-developing smile by preventing common problems like cavities, gum disease, and injuries. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from these routine visits, and feel free to contact us for additional information.  

Why Choose Wolfe Dental Cedar Mill for Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids?

  • Dentists with Decades of Experience
  • Sedation Available to Soothe Anxiety
  • Insurance Accepted & Flexible Financing Available

Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids Important?

Little girl in dental chair brushing giant teeth with giant toothbrush

You might think that your kid’s mouth is healthy if they don’t have immediate concerns, but unfortunately, they might have developed a problem and are unaware. Brushing and flossing twice daily at home is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but it’s hard to catch the early signs of potential issues, like gingivitis, on their own at home. Plus, they could develop cavities in hard-to-see areas like between two teeth or behind their molars.

Seeing our team consistently allows us to monitor their mouth over time to catch and address areas of concern, like thinning enamel, before they can progress. We can also help ensure their permanent teeth grow correctly when it’s time to give them a head start on building and maintaining a healthy smile into adulthood.  

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup for Kids

Little girl biting down on dental mirror in her mouth

It might differ slightly based on your child’s unique circumstances, but typically, you can expect a checkup to include:

  • Medical history. We’ll discuss your child’s medical history and list any prescriptions or supplements they take to ensure we don’t recommend treatments or medications that might interfere with their general health.
  • We scan their teeth, gums, bite alignment, and any existing dental work like fillings, to ensure everything is clean and in good shape.
  • Cancer screening. We’ll scan their soft tissues for any signs of this dangerous condition.
  • You can expect at least one set of X-rays annually to detect any problems hiding under the surface of their gums and jawbone.
  • Q&A. You and your little one will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our findings, suggested treatments, or general dental care concerns.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning for Kids

Little boy smiling before dental cleaning

Many parents struggle with getting their kids to brush their teeth, but even if yours enjoys their daily dental regimen, they might miss certain areas of their mouth that are difficult to reach. Our team can help by providing professional cleanings.

We have special dental instruments designed to effectively remove plaque and tartar built up on your child’s enamel or along their gum line. This reduces the likelihood of developing cavities, gum disease, or chronic bad breath.

Then, we take the time to floss their teeth before polishing them to remove minor surface stains, giving them a sparkling, bright grin. We may also include a topical fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel so it’s more resistant to potential damage and discoloration.