What is that 6 month check up all about?

Taking your child to the dentist every 6 months is an important part of taking care of his/her oral health. This routine visit is important so that your child’s mouth could be monitored for any signs of pathology as well as proper development.

Why every six months? Waiting too long between visits may mean missed opportunities to address issues in early stages. Catching things early allows for conservative treatment to be a good option.

What happens during this visit? The dentist will start off with a cleaning. Contrary to popular belief, this is not necessarily the most important part of the visit. The task of removing plaque from the teeth is crucial in and of itself, however its biggest accomplishment is allowing a thorough exam. With plaque, food and debris removed, the dentist could carefully inspect every surface of every tooth in the mouth, as well as all surrounding structures such as the gums, mucosa, tongue and palate, to name a few. The dentist will then share any concerns he/she may have, and provide anticipatory guidance for what’s to come. Radiographs may be taken at a  six month recall, but only if absolutely necessary. Finally, the dentist will provide a topical fluoride treatment to help strengthen the teeth so they could continue to fight those cavities!

How to prepare for the six month check up: maintain a positive attitude! Keep telling your child how much fun the dentist appointment will be, and how excited you are to go. Your child feeds off your energy very much, and needs that extra bit of encouragement and support. You could prep your child further by explaining the dentist will brush his/her teeth, count his/her teeth, and paint on a “vitamin paint” that will make his/her teeth extra strong. Have fun with it!

We can’t wait to see you and your little one at your next visit