Dental Exams & Cleanings for Children
The foundation of your child's lifelong oral health starts here.
Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive care. At Little Smiles, we make every visit positive, educational, and thorough—helping your child develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
What's Included in Every Visit
Comprehensive Examination
We check every tooth, the gums, tongue, and jaw development. We look for cavities, alignment issues, and early signs of orthodontic concerns.
Professional Cleaning
Gentle removal of plaque and tartar buildup, polishing to remove stains, and flossing to clean between teeth—all done with child-friendly tools and techniques.
Fluoride Treatment
A quick fluoride application to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities. Learn more about fluoride
Digital X-rays (As Needed)
Safe, low-radiation imaging to detect cavities between teeth and monitor tooth development. Learn about x-ray safety
Growth & Development Monitoring
We track jaw development, tooth eruption patterns, and check for issues like tongue-ties that could affect speech or eating.
Oral Hygiene Education
We teach proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your child's age, and give personalized tips for maintaining healthy teeth at home.
Why Every 6 Months?
Children's teeth and oral health change rapidly. Regular checkups every six months allow us to:
- Catch cavities early when they're small and easy to treat
- Prevent bigger problems from developing
- Monitor growth and catch orthodontic issues early
- Build trust so dental visits become routine, not scary
- Keep costs down by preventing expensive treatments later
Did you know? Children who see the dentist regularly have significantly fewer cavities and less dental anxiety than those who only visit when there's a problem.
First Visit by Age One
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a "dental home" by your child's first birthday.
Early visits help us:
- Educate parents on proper care
- Catch issues like tongue-ties
- Prevent early childhood cavities
- Create positive first experiences
What to Expect During Your Visit
Welcome & Check-In
Our friendly front desk team will greet you. We'll review your child's medical history and answer any questions you have.
Getting Comfortable
Your child will be seated in our comfortable dental chair. We take time to show them our tools and explain what we'll be doing in kid-friendly terms.
The Exam
Dr. Katie will gently examine each tooth, check the gums, and assess overall oral health. We count teeth, check for "sugar bugs," and look for any concerns.
Professional Cleaning
Our dental hygienist will gently clean and polish your child's teeth, removing any plaque or tartar buildup.
Fluoride Treatment
A quick fluoride varnish application takes just a minute and helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Education & Prize!
We'll show your child how to brush and floss properly, answer all your questions, and your child gets to pick a prize from our treasure chest!
Common Questions
When should my child have their first dental exam?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one, or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Learn more about first visits.
How long does a cleaning take?
A typical exam and cleaning takes 30-45 minutes. For very young children or first visits, appointments may be shorter to help them feel comfortable and build positive associations with dental care.
What if my child has anxiety?
We specialize in creating positive experiences for anxious children. Our team uses gentle techniques, child-friendly language, and positive reinforcement. We also offer sedation options if needed.
Ready to Schedule Your Child's Checkup?
Keep your child's smile on track with regular preventive care. We make every visit positive, educational, and fun!