Teeth Cleaning, X-Rays & Exams

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental exam and cleaning after the first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. Starting early helps identify any potential issues right away and, just as importantly, helps your child build a positive relationship with the dentist from an early age. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis, our team is experienced in making first visits calm, comfortable, and even fun for very young children.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive a professional cleaning every six months. While daily brushing and flossing at home are essential, they cannot reach every surface of the teeth or remove hardened plaque buildup. Regular cleanings give Dr. Jobe and our St. Louis team the opportunity to remove deposits that home care misses, check for early signs of decay, monitor tooth development, and apply preventive treatments like fluoride or sealants when needed. In some cases, based on your child’s individual dental health, we may recommend more or less frequent visits.

A pediatric cleaning follows a similar process to an adult cleaning, with the experience tailored to make your child feel comfortable at every step. Our team will walk your child through each part of the procedure before it begins so there are no surprises. The cleaning removes plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the teeth, followed by a thorough exam where Dr. Jobe checks for cavities, signs of decay, and proper tooth development. Depending on your child’s age and needs, X-rays, fluoride treatments, or sealants may also be part of the visit.

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Modern digital X-ray technology uses very low levels of radiation, and protective measures such as lead aprons are used during every X-ray. The diagnostic benefit of X-rays far outweighs the minimal exposure involved. X-rays allow Dr. Jobe to see decay that forms between teeth, check for signs of trauma beneath the gum line, and monitor how permanent teeth are developing and positioning below the surface. Without X-rays, many of these issues would go undetected until they became more serious.

The frequency of X-rays depends on your child’s individual dental health and cavity risk. Children who are more prone to cavities or who are in active phases of tooth development may need X-rays more frequently, while lower-risk children may need them less often. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, X-ray recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis rather than on a fixed schedule, so your child only receives them when they provide useful clinical information.

Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focused specifically on the dental, behavioral, and developmental needs of children. Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is designed from the ground up with children in mind, from the equipment and office environment to the way our team communicates with young patients. A child-focused environment and a team trained specifically in pediatric care makes a meaningful difference in how comfortable your child feels, and in the quality of care they receive.

Consistency at home makes a real difference. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to cover the front, back, and top of each tooth. Floss daily to clean between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Feed your child a balanced diet and limit sticky, chewy, and sugary foods as well as acidic drinks like soda and juice. Using a fluoride toothpaste is also important for strengthening enamel and preventing decay. At each visit, Dr. Jobe will review your child’s home care routine and offer any personalized guidance.

Scheduling is easy. Call Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry at (314) 270-5817 or book an appointment online. Our office is located at 9735 Landmark Parkway Dr., Suite 16, St. Louis, MO 63127. Whether it is your child’s first visit or their next routine cleaning, our team looks forward to providing a positive, stress-free experience for your whole family.