Pediatric dental exams and teeth cleaning in Fort Myers

Does Your Child Need a Dental Exam or Professional Cleaning?

If it's been a while since your last dental cleaning, we'll do whatever we can to help you feel comfortable and provide the dental treatment you need to achieve healthy teeth and gums. If you need a dental exam, get in touch with us so we can schedule you for an appointment at our office.

Dental Cleaning for Kids

Good oral hygiene is vital to your child’s oral health. A dental cleaning for kids should begin at age three, and these professional cleanings should continue throughout your child’s life. Dental cleanings ensure that your child’s baby teeth are healthy and protect your child against gum disease. Your dentist will also provide information on ways you can improve your child’s oral hygiene at home by recommending dental products and dietary adjustments, if necessary.

Pediatric Dental X-rays

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-rays during a dental checkup, as they can help the dentist identify oral health problems within the teeth. Pediatric dental X rays may be required to diagnose a variety of conditions, including tooth decay, problems relating to gum disease, and dental abnormalities. Your pediatric dentist also may use X-rays when providing orthodontic treatment.

Pediatric Check-ups

Regular pediatric checkups should begin after your child’s first birthday. During a pediatric dental checkup, one of our skilled pediatric dental specialists will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of decay or disease. Working with your general dentist and pediatrician, our pediatric dentists create comprehensive care plans that address your child’s dental needs.

What Happens If Your Child Doesn't Receive Teeth Cleanings Twice a Year?

Receiving a teeth cleaning is necessary for maintaining optimum oral health. Exams and cleanings are considered preventive dental care, and we recommend receiving a professional cleaning and exam every six months to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. The exam and cleaning can prevent larger dental problems from happening, and they also give your dentist the opportunity to detect dental problems before they get worse.

During your cleaning, the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible film of bacteria that develops on your teeth every day. If not removed daily while brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar can form above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments. If you don't receive regular cleanings, tartar and plaque can affect your teeth and gum tissue, causing inflammation and increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

If you want to make an appointment for a teeth cleaning in Fort Myers, call our office today.

Pediatric Gum Therapy Treatment for Receding Gums

Gum disease is not just an adult oral health problem – children can sometimes develop inflammation along the gum line as well. There are many factors that can cause gum disease in children, including genetics, diet, or oral hygiene habits. Our pediatric dentists can help prevent and treat gum disease by providing thorough cleanings and advice on how to best care for your child’s gums.

Periodontal disease is a serious dental concern. It's an infection that attacks the gum tissue and bones that support the teeth. The disease is usually painless in its early stages, and it's possible to have gum disease without being aware of it. Receiving a dental exam is crucial to preventing gum disease, and these exams are also important for detecting the early signs of gum disease, which is when it's the easiest to treat.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include receding gums, red, puffy gums, and gums that bleed while you're brushing or flossing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule your appointment at our office right away. Periodontal treatment can prevent tooth loss and improve the health of your teeth and gums.

What Causes Bad Breath?

If you're like most people, you probably have bad breath from time to time, especially when you first wake up in the morning. As many as one in four people regularly experience bad breath, also called halitosis, so you're certainly not alone if you experience this problem.

There are many bad breath causes, and they can ran range from mild to serious. Decreased saliva is a leading cause of bad breath since saliva washes food particles away from your mouth. Decreased saliva flow can an increase of bacteria in your mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. Halitosis is also caused by poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush and floss every day, bacteria can accumulate on the pieces of food left between your teeth and in your mouth. The bacteria releases sulfur compounds, which can make your breath smell over time.

Smoking and using tobacco products are major contributors to bad breath, in addition to eating certain foods, especially those containing onions or garlic. Health problems can also cause bad breath. Persistent bad breath can be a warning sign of gum disease, tooth decay, or even gastric reflux, respiratory infections, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems. If you're experiencing chronic bad breath, we encourage you to make an appointment for a dental exam in Fort Myers.

Can My Child Receive an Oral Cancer Screening During the Routine Exam?

Frequent examinations from your dentist can do a lot more than ensure that you have a bright, healthy smile. Scheduling a dental exam in Fort Myers gives your dentist the opportunity to screen you for the symptoms of oral cancer. Even if you don't smoke or use tobacco products, it's possible to get oral cancer, and it can quickly become life threatening if left undiagnosed. Oral cancer is a serious condition because you might not even notice that you have any symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat.

Early detection can make all the difference in successfully treating oral cancer. During your oral cancer test, your dentist will take a thorough look at all parts of your mouth, including the back of your throat, the inside of your cheeks, your tongue, lips, gums, and the roof of your mouth. Detecting the condition early means you may have more options for treatment. Maintain regular appointments with your dentist so he or she can watch for signs of a problem.