What is the Difference Between a Dental Cleaning and a Children’s Oral Health Exam?

Beginning around age 1, children should start routine pediatric dentistry appointments. These regular visits can reduce the risks of disease while helping kids maintain healthy teeth and gums. There are two main portions of a routine dental visit: a dental cleaning and an oral health exam. Both play an important part in protecting your child's teeth.

Understanding dental appointments for children

Typically, both a dental cleaning and an oral health exam take place during the same appointment. The entire process usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, but this can vary based on:

• The child's compliance with the dentist.
• The overall state of the child's teeth and gums.
• The age of the patient.
• Symptoms or conditions that may require additional screenings.

In some situations, a dentist may recommend an additional examination a few weeks or months down the road, usually to monitor treatment progress or an existing condition. In these cases, a child may have their teeth examined but not cleaned.

Dental cleanings

Usually, the first portion of a pediatric dentistry appointment is professional cleaning. For babies and young toddlers, thorough brushing is all that is done. Many offices utilize a cushioned lap tray that allows the child to lie back comfortably while being held by a parent. Then the dentist brushes the child's teeth. Once children become more comfortable with the dentist and more baby teeth erupt, flossing will also be incorporated.

Once a child reaches preschool age and is content to sit in a patient chair, they will gradually progress from having their teeth cleaned with a manual toothbrush to a professional dental polishing brush. Flossing will continue. When they are able to sit still and stay calm in the chair, usually around age 5 or 6, scaling instruments are introduced to help remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Oral health examinations

One important aspect of an oral health examination is the dental X-ray. These are recommended on an annual basis starting at age 2 or 3. Those who are being monitored for tooth decay or other conditions may need X-rays every six months. When a child is due for imaging, it is usually done at the very beginning of the appointment, when they are more likely to sit still for the procedure. This also gives the dentist time to review the images before the appointment is complete.

A dentist may perform some basic visual examinations before or during a cleaning, such as noting which teeth have erupted and their current position, as well as the general appearance of the gum tissues. Teeth and gums are often more thoroughly examined once the cleaning is complete. The removal of plaque and tartar buildup makes it easier for the dentist to detect staining and signs of decay. A dental explorer (a small metal instrument similar to a scaler) may be used to check for potential soft spots on teeth, a symptom of developing cavities.