Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Teeth Cleanings & Exams
In order to best maintain your child’s overall dental health, we recommend your child receive a dental cleaning and exam here at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry every 6 months.
Helping your child establish good oral hygiene habits at home is essential in managing plaque and tartar buildup and preventing gum disease. This further sets your child up for good oral health practices and a healthy smile down the road.
What To Expect
- At Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry, we always cater your child’s visit to their comfort level and dental needs. At the start of the visit, Dr. Hayley will determine if any imaging or x-rays are needed based on the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. If these are needed, our staff will explain the process and take your child’s needed x-rays.
- Next, Dr. Hayley will explain and evaluate your child’s mouth for cavities, infections, decay, sores, or swollen and bleeding gums.
- In conjunction with the visual exam, Dr. Hayley Cox will examine any x-rays and address any concerns or questions you may have regarding your child’s overall dental health as well as explain what you can expect as your child grows.
- Finally, our staff will perform a dental prophylaxis or cleaning on your child to remove any plaque and tartar and leave your child with a sparkling smile.
For Children Under 3 Years of Age
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit 6 months after their first tooth erupts or before their first birthday.
Lap Exam
Your little one’s exam will take place in our exam chair or in your lap for what we call a “lap exam” depending on the comfort level of your child. The lap exam is a knee-to-knee position that allows you to hold your child and gently bend them back on to the dentists lap. This position provides comfort for the child while also allowing the dentist to perform her exam and you an opportunity as the parent to learn how to properly brush and care for your child’s teeth. Although the exam goes by quickly, this is a very thorough exam by the doctor and establishes your child’s sense of security with our office and team.
