Regular Dental Checkups: More Than Just Cleaning

When considering a dental checkup, do you imagine the basic teeth cleaning? That’s not surprising. One of the perks of going to the dentist is walking out with sparkling teeth that feel and look great. The fact is, routine checkups are the cornerstone of good health at any age. What is behind a dental checkup at pediatric dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ?

Checkups are About Prevention

The primary goal during a dental checkup isn’t to make your child’s teeth shine; it’s to detect early problems, such as:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Early signs of misalignments or bite issues

The pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, will also ensure that your child develops good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Prevention is power in healthcare. It allows health professionals to spot changes from one visit to the next and take steps to strengthen the bone, teeth, and soft tissue if necessary to ward off injury or disease.

Dental Cleaning is an Important Part of Dental Care

Of course, getting those teeth cleaned to remove plaque and tartar buildup is an integral part of prevention. In addition, the dentist might suggest treatments to help support dental health and better understand oral development, such as sealants for vulnerable teeth.

A Holistic View of Overall Health

There is a strong connection between oral and overall health, too. So, regular dental checkups allow the dentist to see early signs of other health problems. For example, sores on the gum can be an early sign of diabetes or autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Other things the dentist will look for include:

• Pale gums can indicate anemia
• Teeth erosion can be a sign of an eating disorder or acid reflux.
• Abnormal patches of cells in the mouth can be warning signs of oral cancer.

Learn more about what your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, does during regular dental checkups by making an appointment for your child at Pediatrics on Park today.