Depending on the child’s age and tolerance, the first appointment may consist of an examination only. Some children that are too small to sit in the dental chair may be examined by the “knee to knee “ technique. This is where the parent and dentist sit knee to knee with each other while the parent holds and slowly lays the child on their legs. This allows the dentist to get a better look around the mouth while still being cared for by the parent.
In other cases, we take digital dental radiographs ( x-rays) using low dose radiation to look for cavities, developing teeth, as well as any potential abnormalities that can occur. This allows the dentist to have a full picture of your child’s oral health and to ensure your child is getting the highest level of care.
Our registered dental hygienist will then complete a prophy on your child. A prophylaxis is a dental cleaning to remove any plaque or food debris left between teeth and around the gums. If left untreated, this can lead to cavities and gum disease.
And finally, if your child is age appropriate, our registered dental hygienist will complete a fluoride treatment to decrease the chances of your child developing dental decay. The hygienist and dentist may also recommend sealants to be placed on the child’s permanent teeth to help prevent dental decay in the future.