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Dr. Matt will perform an exam and your child will have their teeth cleaned. The teeth will be scaled to remove plaque and tartar, then cleaned with a high-powered brush. Finally, the hygienist will floss your child’s teeth to remove any remaining food particles and debris.
If x-rays are needed, our team will take them with your permission. X-rays can help to ensure your child’s oral development is on track, and are necessary to identify some dental conditions including cavities between the teeth.
Dr. Matt will then screen your child’s smile for cavities, gum disease, and other signs of potential oral health issues. Your child’s x-rays and health history will also aid in the diagnosis. Dr. Matt has a thorough understanding of your child’s oral health, they will discuss any problems or potential issues they may have found during the examination.
If your child has cavities, gum disease, an infected tooth, or any other dental issues that need to be addressed, Dr. Matt will craft a customized treatment plan and walk you through each step. Once both you and your child understand the issues and our solutions, we’ll schedule your child’s follow-up appointment in Maple Grove.
Our team can help you schedule your child’s next cleaning and exam, and also any appointments for additional treatment. It’s important that your child gets the care they need from a dental team they know and trust, so stay on top of their appointments and help us keep their smile strong and healthy.
Be sure to brush your child’s teeth twice a day, every day, for two full minutes. Assist your child with brushing until they are 6 years old or can tie their shoes on their own. Once your child is able to brush independently, we encourage you to make brushing a family activity. Demonstrate your own proper technique to your children, and make sure they’re brushing regularly.
Floss your child’s teeth just as you would for your own teeth. Make sure you’re flossing between every two teeth that make contact and behind the rear molars. We recommend flossing your child’s teeth once per day and having them rinse with water or mouthwash after flossing to remove any food particles that were dislodged during the process.
Depending on your child’s age, you may need to find a toy or distraction to keep them entertained while you floss their teeth. You will need to floss your child’s teeth until they’re about 10, since it’s a lot harder to learn proper flossing technique than it is to learn proper brushing technique. Floss holders may be helpful for toddlers so they don’t accidentally bite your fingers.
In order for your child to eat and chew properly, they must have healthy baby teeth and strong oral health. Damaged or decayed baby teeth can cause them a lot of pain and discomfort. Even though your child will naturally lose their baby teeth as they child age, their baby teeth should remain in place until they fall out on their own. Losing one or more teeth prematurely can affect their future oral development since baby teeth help form the “paths” that the adult teeth follow when they emerge. If your child loses one or more baby teeth too soon, oral development problems could occur.
Almost every dental insurance plan covers preventive care, like six-month cleanings and exams, for dependents. In some cases, fluoride treatments and dental sealants may also be covered. Coverage for each insurer and dental plan varies, so we recommend consulting directly with your provider to learn about the full scope of your coverage and benefits.
