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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffRegular dental exams are an important part of preventive health care. During a dental exam for children, the dentist or hygienist will clean your child's teeth and evaluate your child's risk of tooth decay. A dental exam for children might include application of various protective measures — such as sealants or fluoride treatments — to reduce the risk of decay. A dental exam for children might also include dental X-rays or other diagnostic procedures.
During a dental exam for children, the dentist or hygienist will likely discuss your child's diet and oral hygiene habits and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Other topics for discussion during a dental exam for children might include preventing oral injuries or, for adolescents, the health risks associated with tobacco, substance abuse and oral piercings.
- Nowak AJ, et al. Preventive dental care and counseling for infants and young children. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Child oral health. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/children.htm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Oral health care for adolescents fact sheet. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Oral health care for children fact sheet. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- X-rays. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3067.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Brooks SL. Guidelines for prescribing dental radiographs. In: White SC, et al. Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:244.
- Helpful hints for a healthy smile. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. http://www.aapd.org/foundation/hints.asp. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Guideline on periodicity of examination, preventive dental services, anticipatory guidance/counseling, and oral treatment for infants, children, and adolescents. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_Periodicity.pdf. Accessed Nov. 15, 2011.
- Oral health risk assessment timing and establishment of the dental home. Pediatrics. 2003;111:1113.
- Teething. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3015.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 15, 2011.
- Fonseca RB, et al. Radiodensity evaluation of dental impression materials in comparison to tooth structures. Journal of Applied Oral Science. 2010;18:467.
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