Regular dental exams are one of the best ways to keep your child's smile healthy. They let Dr. Bryan catch small problems early, when they're easiest to treat, and give you practical tips for caring for your child's teeth at home.
At your child's exam, Dr. Bryan and our team will clean their teeth, check for cavities and early gum problems, and look at their face, neck, and mouth to make sure everything is developing normally. When needed, the visit may also include X-rays.
We'll also talk with you about your child's diet and brushing habits, and we're happy to show you and your child the right way to brush and floss.
During your child's exam, Dr. Bryan will:
- Check your child's overall oral health and how well they're keeping their teeth clean
- Look at their risk for cavities and gum problems
- See whether any teeth need a filling or other treatment
- Check how their bite and jaw are developing
- Remove any plaque, tartar, or stains
- Show you and your child the best ways to brush and floss
- Decide whether your child would benefit from fluoride
- Take X-rays if they're needed
Dr. Bryan will also ask about your child's health and any medicines they take, because some can affect their teeth. For example, medicines that cause dry mouth can raise the risk of cavities.
Why Dental X-Rays Are Taken
Dental X-rays are pictures that show Dr. Bryan what's happening inside and between your child's teeth, below the gums, and in the jaw. They help find things a visual exam can miss, like cavities between teeth and permanent teeth that are coming in out of place. X-rays are a routine part of good dental care, just like cleanings.
How often your child needs X-rays depends on:
- Their age
- Their current oral health
- Any signs of infection
- A history of cavities
If your child is new to our practice and doesn't have recent X-rays from another dentist, Dr. Bryan may take X-rays at the first visit to get a complete picture of their dental health.
Children often need X-rays more often than adults because their mouths are changing so quickly. X-rays let Dr. Bryan watch how permanent teeth are developing and spot problems early, such as an adult tooth coming in behind a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out yet.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids?
Yes. Dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for children. To protect your child even more, we place a lead apron over their chest and lap, and we may also use a thyroid collar to cover their neck.
Getting Ready for X-Rays
Your child doesn't need to do anything special to get ready. They'll sit in the dental chair wearing the lead apron while the X-ray machine is positioned near their cheek. It only takes a few moments, and we'll explain each step so your child knows what to expect.
Types of Dental X-Rays
Dr. Bryan may recommend different types of X-rays depending on what he needs to see:
- Bitewing: Your child gently bites on a small tab while the picture is taken. Bitewings show the back teeth and are the best way to find cavities between them.
- Periapical: These show an entire tooth, from the top down to the root, along with the bone around it.
- Occlusal: These show a full row of upper or lower teeth and are often used to check how a child's teeth are developing and where they're positioned.
- Panoramic: This gives one wide view of the whole mouth, including teeth that haven't come in yet. The machine moves around your child's head while they hold still. It may look a little big, but it's quick, painless, and uses very little radiation.
- Cephalometric: This shows the side of the head and is used to see how the teeth and jaw line up. Orthodontists often use it to plan braces.
- Cone beam CT: This creates a 3-D picture of the teeth and jaw when a more detailed view is needed. It uses less radiation than a medical CT scan but more than standard dental X-rays, so it's only used when necessary.
- Digital X-rays: These use an electronic sensor instead of film, so images appear right on a computer and can be compared over time. They use about half the radiation of traditional film X-rays.
Your child won't need X-rays at every visit. If you have any questions or concerns about X-rays, please ask Dr. Bryan. He's always happy to explain why an X-ray is recommended.
How X-Rays Help Your Child
X-rays are one of the most important tools Dr. Bryan has for keeping your child's teeth healthy. They help him:
- Find cavities he can't see just by looking, especially between teeth
- Check under and around existing fillings
- Watch how permanent teeth are growing and coming in
- Spot extra teeth, missing teeth, or teeth that may be blocked from coming in
- Look for infection or other problems near the roots of teeth
- Plan any treatment your child may need