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A checkup is a visit where the dentist looks at your teeth, gums and mouth to help keep them healthy. Here is what usually happens, step by step, and what grown-ups can ask.
A checkup is a visit to look after your teeth before they hurt. The dentist looks at your whole mouth, the team may clean your teeth, and you can ask any question you like.
Your goal today: learn the steps of a checkup, so you know what to expect when you sit in the chair.
You are in charge of the stop sign. If you need a break, raise your hand and tell the team.
Checkups help the dentist spot little problems early, while they are small and easier to fix.
Every office is a little different, but most checkups follow these steps:
A checkup is a careful look at your whole mouth, not just your teeth. Here are the three big things the dentist checks.
Each tooth is checked for cavities and to see how it is growing.
Your gums, cheeks, tongue and the soft parts inside and around your mouth.
How your teeth fit together as you grow, and how your jaw moves.
To find little problems early, while they are small and easier to fix, and to keep teeth healthy.
Raise your hand and tell the team. You are in charge of the stop sign.
The first checkup. The AAPD recommends the first dental exam when the first tooth comes in, and no later than 12 months of age. An early visit sets up a dental home, a regular place for your child’s dental care, and lets you get advice on feeding, brushing and fluoride before habits are set.
How often. For young children, the AAPD guidance is to repeat the checkup every 6 months or as your child’s own needs and risk call for. Some children need to be seen more often and some less often, based on their history, what the dentist sees and their risk of cavities. Children at higher risk of cavities or gum disease may benefit from visits more often than every 6 months, for example every 3 months.
The AAPD describes advice and counseling for caregivers as an essential part of every visit. Write your questions down before you go. For ideas, see Questions to ask a dentist. If your child is nervous, see Helping a nervous child.
When the first tooth comes in, and no later than the first birthday. The AAPD notes that children seen earlier tend to need less treatment later, and an early visit lets you get feeding and brushing advice while habits are still forming.
For most young children the AAPD guidance is every 6 months, or as the child’s own needs and risk call for. The dentist will tell you when to come back. A child at higher risk may be asked to come more often, such as every 3 months.
The AAPD lists these parts of a comprehensive exam: general health and growth, a check for pain, the soft tissues outside and inside the mouth, the jaw joint, oral hygiene and gum health, the teeth, how the bite is developing, X-rays if needed, a cavity-risk assessment, and how comfortable and cooperative your child is.
It is a check of things that make cavities more or less likely, such as diet, fluoride, home care and past cavities. The AAPD advises doing it as soon as the first baby tooth comes in and repeating it over time, because risk can change. It helps decide what preventive care your child needs and how often to return.
Not necessarily. The AAPD says the timing of X-rays is not based on age alone but on each child’s history, exam and risk. See Dental X-rays.
Often, yes. A professional cleaning removes plaque, stain and hard buildup, helps the dentist see the teeth, and is a chance to learn brushing tips. How often your child gets professional fluoride is based on cavity risk. The AAPD suggests children at high risk may benefit from fluoride treatments more often, such as every 3 months.
Advice changes with age. Topics the AAPD lists include brushing and flossing, how teeth and speech are developing, habits like thumb sucking or pacifiers, food and drinks, and preventing injuries. For older children and teens, topics can include mouthguards for sports, tobacco and vaping, and mouth piercings.
The clinical statements on this page come from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) best practice on the periodicity of examination, preventive dental services, anticipatory guidance and oral treatment.
Review status: pending. No named reviewer or review date yet.
This website is for education only and does not replace care from your dentist, physician, or emergency services.