What's happening during your child's dental cleaning?

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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