Have you ever left a dental appointment wondering what exactly the dentist was checking for—besides clean teeth? At Kids Teeth, your child’s visit is about so much more than “just a cleaning.” Every check-up is a thorough evaluation designed to support your child’s overall health, development, and smile for years to come.
Here are six key things (plus a bonus) we’re looking at every time your child is in the dental chair:
✅ Tooth Development
- Are all the teeth present?
- Are there enamel defects like weak spots or developmental pits?
✅ Jaw & Tooth Alignment
- Are teeth coming in properly?
- Do we see crowding, overbites, spacing issues, crossbites, or “shark teeth”?
- Is there jaw popping or clicking?
✅ Oral Cancer Screening
- We check for unusual lumps, bumps, or discolored spots on the gums, cheeks, or tongue.
✅ Airway Assessment
- Are the tonsils enlarged?
- Is there narrowing of the palate (which could indicate a more narrow jaw structure)?
✅ Cavities (Tooth Decay)
- X-rays help us see what the eye can’t—especially between teeth where cavities like to hide.
- Not all cavities are visible!
✅ Brushing & Flossing Habits
- Are kids brushing along the gumline?
- Are they using floss correctly—hugging the tooth and scrubbing up and down?
- We can tell if brushing has been consistent—or just done in the car before the appointment.
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums can indicate missed areas.
🎓 Bonus: Education & Guidance
- We make sure kids and parents leave with the tools to keep teeth healthy at home—proper brushing, flossing, and care (even with braces!).
Seeing a pediatric dentist is a vital part of your child’s overall health. Let us show you exactly how at your child’s next check up. Give us a call to schedule their next dental visit at Kids Teeth—(843)216-5879 or submit an appointment request online today.
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