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Dental Checkups for Children and Adults
Infants and preschoolers
By the time
your child is 6 months old, your doctor should assess the likelihood of your
child having future dental problems. This may include a dental exam of the
mother and her dental history, because the condition of her teeth can often
predict possible problems with her child's teeth. If the doctor thinks your
child will have dental problems, be sure your child sees a dentist by his or
her first birthday or 6 months after the first
primary teeth appear 
, whichever comes first. After your first visit, schedule
regular visits every 6 months or as your dentist recommends.
Experts recommend that your child's dental care start at 12 months of age. Babies with dental problems caused by injury, disease, or a developmental problem should be seen by a children's (pediatric) dentist right away. If these dental problems are not limited to the surfaces of the teeth, your baby should also be seen by a children's doctor (pediatrician) or your family doctor.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that doctors prescribe fluoride to preschool children older than 6 months of age whose primary water source lacks enough fluoride.1
For more information, see the topics Basic Dental Care, Mouth and Dental Injuries, and Mouth Problems, Noninjury.
Adults, teens, and school-age children
See your dentist once or twice a year. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems.
- Your dental hygienist will begin to clean your teeth by scraping hard mineral buildup (tartar) off your teeth with a small metal tool. Then the hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren't painful.
- Sometimes your dentist will want to take
X-rays. The X-rays take only a few minutes.
- Your dentist or technician will have you put on a heavy apron to shield your body from X-rays. Everyone else in the room will either wear a protective apron or step behind a protective shield.
- Your dentist or technician will have you bite down on a small piece of plastic. This will help align your teeth properly for the machine. Your dentist or technician will repeat this process several times to get pictures of all your teeth.
- If needed, your dentist will put a sealant on the chewing surface of your back teeth to help prevent cavities. Sealants keep food and bacteria from getting stuck in the rough chewing surfaces or grooves of your teeth, and they protect your teeth from plaque.
- If
you are prone to infections, you may need to take antibiotics before you have
any dental work. This includes people who:
- Have heart valve problems, which put you at risk for endocarditis.
- Have an impaired immune system.
- Had recent major surgeries or have man-made body parts, such as an artificial hip or heart valve.
- Your dentist or hygienist may ask you about the foods you eat. What you eat and whether you get enough vitamins and minerals can affect your dental health.
- If you have active tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, he or she may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your usual brushing and flossing routine.
After reviewing all of the research, the USPSTF has not recommended for or against routine screening of adults for oral cancer.2
For more information, see the topics Basic Dental Care, Tooth Decay, and Oral Cancer.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
