Choosing a family dental office in Manassas is very important because you are entrusting your new dentist with the dental care of your entire family, including young children. Our family dentist is trained in dealing with kids and putting them at ease in an unfamiliar environment like the dental office.

Let’s have a look at some of the procedures and treatments offered by our family dentist so that you know the basics before such treatments may become necessary.

Scheduling your child’s first dental exam and cleaning is a great first step in ensuring that they develop good habits that serve them in good stead throughout their lives. The purpose of exams and cleanings is to spot potential trouble signs, as well as to clean and polish their teeth to protect them and enhance their smile.

At a dental exam, your dental hygienist will perform a visual inspection of your child’s teeth, mouth and gums to look for any trouble signs that may require the intervention of the dent. If anything is found, the family dentist will be called in and x-rays may be ordered.

Plaque is a sticky film created by bacteria found in the mouth. It can eventually harden into a material called tartar. Although plaque can be removed at home, it is possible to miss a few spots that turn into tartar. Tartar is only removable by a dental professional using specialized tools.

A professional dental cleaning normally follows a dental exam. Your child’s dental hygienist will scrape away any plaque or tartar that may have built up on their teeth. The family dentist recommends to also combine proper dental hygiene at home, this is the most effective way of preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Think of pediatric dental sealants as an investment in your child’s teeth and smile. Children are not immune to getting tooth decay any more than adults are. According to the ADA, pediatric dental sealants reduce the odds of developing tooth decay by an impressive 80 percent.

A sealant is a liquid that is applied to the back molars. These teeth are in hard-to-reach areas in the back of the mouth. Therefore, runs the risk that bacteria can avoid the best cleaning efforts of your child. And back molars tend to have deeper grooves and crevices that allow bacteria places to hide.

• Inspect your child’s toothbrush for signs of wear and tear, replacing when necessary.
• Avoid toothbrushes that have overly hard bristles that could damage tooth enamel.
• Limit your child’s consumption of sugary snacks and drinks.

Schedule a consultation with Royal Dental. Contact us at (703) 361-2345 or request an appointment online.