Children’s Dental Checkups in Goodyear, AZ: What to Expect & When to Visit

Why Regular Pediatric Dental Checkups Matter

Although your child’s baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by their permanent teeth, they should regularly see a pediatric dentist in Goodyear. If their baby teeth are neglected, they could develop cavities or gum disease that lead to pain, infections, and early tooth loss, which can make it difficult to speak, eat, and smile. It can also affect the development and eruption of the permanent teeth.

The earlier your child begins to see a dentist, the better their oral health will be as they grow older. Early checkups help prevent tooth decay and other potential problems, allowing for treatments that are less stressful. It also allows us to teach your child proper oral hygiene habits and establish routine dental checkups into adulthood. It is very important for every child to have a dental home established.

How Often Should Children in Goodyear Visit the Dentist?

We recommend that children see a pediatric dentist in Goodyear every six months for a checkup and dental cleaning. For some children, three-month cleanings are indicated, particularly in those who have orthodontic appliances or who may struggle with hygiene. We will periodically take X-rays to monitor tooth development, screen for dental health concerns, and thoroughly clean your child’s teeth. Of course, if your child has a toothache or any signs of an infection or cavity, you should contact our office right away to schedule an appointment.

What Happens During a Routine Checkup

• An Oral Examination: We gently inspect the teeth and gums for decay, cavities, inflammation, and abnormalities.
• Children’s Dental Cleaning: We clean the teeth, removing plaque and tartar to promote healthier gums and reduce the risk of cavities.
• X-rays: We periodically take X-rays to monitor the baby’s and permanent teeth’s development in the jawbone and to check for hidden problems, such as impacted teeth and other pathology.
• Optional Treatments: If your child needs supplemental treatments such as fluoride, we can provide these during a routine checkup.
• Education: We talk to your child about good oral hygiene, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Common Treatments During Checkups

• Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride application strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against tooth decay. We can apply a fluoride varnish during a child’s regular dental checkup to strengthen and protect the teeth.
• Sealants: Dental sealants are liquid coatings brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth, then cured with a special light to harden them. The coating is made of a BPA-free resin polymer that resembles the look and color of a natural tooth and fills the tooth’s crevices, keeping food debris and bacteria out. We often apply sealants to the molars to prevent cavities. Sealants should typically be replaced every three to five years, depending on their wear.

Addressing Dentist Anxiety in Children

Fear of the unknown and dental anxiety can interfere with proper dental care. At Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, we do everything we can to help your child overcome their apprehension and relax in our uniquely decorated, kid-friendly offices. We offer various sedation options, including nitrous oxide, to help your child relax and feel at ease during minor procedures. For more extensive dental work, general anesthesia under strictly controlled conditions is available.

Whenever possible, we avoid drills and shots. For early or small cavities, we may treat your child with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), an innovative, topical, painless, and non-invasive treatment option. Brushed onto certain types of cavities, it can stop the progression and eliminate the need for a filling. SDF is especially helpful for children with special needs, neurodivergent children, and medically fragile patients.

Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist in Goodyear, AZ

The right pediatric dentist for your child is the one you, as a parent, can trust and your child is comfortable with. Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry has been providing high quality dental care for children for over twenty years. We have been voted “The Best of the Best” in the West Valley for five years running (since the award began) by parents just like you, and we are immensely proud of this distinction. It means parents see and understand our commitment to their children’s oral health and will continue to trust their kids’ care to us.

Every one of our pediatric dentists has undergone rigorous training beyond dental school, specializing in treating children from infancy to adolescence. We have extensive experience handling unique situations in children’s dental health, including digit sucking, teething, and the eruption of permanent teeth.

When your child is ready for their next dental checkup, we are ready to welcome them.