Dental Exams and Cleanings

After your child turns one, twice-yearly dental hygiene exams are essential for maintaining healthy teeth, gums and overall oral health. For the children of Lima, we are pleased to offer comprehensive dental care during each exam and thorough cleaning, specifically geared towards their needs.

Along with providing a professional cleaning that reaches parts of the mouth your child may miss as they learn to care for their teeth, maintaining regular visits with our team helps foster a lifetime of comfortability with the dentist, straight smiles and good dental habits.

What Happens During a Pediatric Hygiene Exam?

Our expert dental hygienists are specifically trained to handle the dental needs of children, including helping them feel comfortable, calm and relaxed in the dentist’s chair. Every step will be explained in the language they understand.

We will start by cleaning your child’s teeth and mouth with our signature gentle touch. This includes removing any plaque and tartar that has built up on teeth and gums, which helps prevent gum disease and cavities. 

After this, the hygienist will brush, floss and polish your child’s teeth. X-rays may also be included in an exam if your child is over the age of two and due for new ones. Our team may also recommend a fluoride treatment to protect enamel.

While cleaning your child’s mouth, the hygienist also closely examines their teeth, gums, muscles and soft tissues so they can discuss any findings with you, your child and your dentist. We always build time into appointments for parents and guardians to ask questions about their child’s oral health care and mouth development.

When Should My Child First Come to the Dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the proper schedule for a child’s oral healthcare is:

• First visit to the dentist: After the first baby tooth arrives
• Cleanings and exams: Every six months after a child turns one
• Fluoride treatment: As recommended by Dr. Tyra Meyer and Dr. Andrea Leopold after a child turns one
• X-rays: Annually after a child turns two
• Sealants: As recommended by Dr. Tyra Meyer and Dr. Andrea Leopold between the ages of five and 14, as teeth develop and come in

What Can I Do to Care For My Child’s Teeth at Home?

Dental health–and total health, for that matter–go beyond twice-yearly standard visits to our office. We advise children to care for their mouths in a variety of ways between appointments, and for their parents to help them develop these habits of care.

Educating you as a guardian and your child about at-home care of teeth and gums are fundamental parts of our exams at Children's Smiles Dental Care. We will address any questions you may have about your child’s developing teeth and what you can do to keep them healthy between exams.

No matter their age, we advise patients to brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We also recommend using dental floss once a day to prevent gum disease and keep the space between teeth clean, too. 

For each child, we provide a hygiene kit with toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss and more goodies to take home.

Looking for Pediatric Dentists Near You in Northwest Ohio Area?

We’re always welcoming new patients to our practice and love helping children start their oral health journey. To book an appointment with the Children's Smiles Dental Care team today, give us a call during office hours at 419-229-3007. 

We look forward to seeing your family soon!