Hygiene & Exams

Be A Superstar With Awesome Dental Health

Pediatric Dentistry and Exams in Auburn, WA

Beautiful Smiles Begin With Great Hygiene

At Smile Surfers, we always prioritize preventive measures such as routine exams and cleanings for our patients. Even if your child is an ace at brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing regularly, they need to see the dentist for routine cleanings. Here’s why: simply put, brushing and flossing doesn’t make plaque-forming germs disappear – rather, it solidifies them into tartar (a hardened form of plaque), which then can only be removed by dental professionals. Keeping up with this simple process will not only keep cavities at bay, but also prevent gum disease! Dental exams allow us to catch cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems early on before they become more visible and difficult to fix. By monitoring your child’s face and jaw development, as well as the development of their baby and permanent teeth, our pediatric dentists can address any potential oral health issues before they turn into bigger problems.

My Child Has A Dental Visit! What Should I Expect?

Teaching good dental habits from a young age can prevent many oral health problems later in life!

Child Brushing

Preventive Exam:

At Smile Surfers, one of our pediatric dentists will examine your child’s teeth and gums for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems. Digital x-rays are an important tool for pediatric dentists. They allow us to check for problems between the teeth, below the gums, and in the surrounding bone. We can also use them to predict how your child’s teeth will develop over time. Digital x-rays are safe because they reduce radiation exposure by 90%. They are also quite accurate in catching dental abnormalities earlier! If your child needs sealants, we may also be able to complete this treatment during the same appointment.

Periodontal Exam:

A periodontal exam, assessing the state of your little surfer’s gum tissue, will be conducted by a dentist or dental hygienist. There is a strong connection between gum disease and poor oral health, and a variety of other serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Having your child’s teeth checked regularly can help ensure they maintain good periodontal health.

Education & Treatment

At Smile Surfers, we want to give you the best resources possible to help you make great decisions!

You can expect that our dentists and hygienists will:

Have conversations about how behaviors such as diet and dental care play a role in our overall health, as does eliminating bad habits like thumb sucking
Explain treatment options based on their findings
Make suggestions for effective strategies to avoid dental issues
Show correct brushing and flossing techniques (always in a fun, kid-friendly way)
Resolve any concerns or questions you or your little surfers may have

We want you to walk away from your appointment with us feeling like an expert on your child’s dental health.

Providing your child with optimal oral health is always our number one priority, and we also want to make sure their visits to the dentist are positive experiences!

FAQ’s About Dental Exams and Cleanings

How often should my child visit the pediatric dentist?

How many times per year should we see the dentist?

In order to reduce cavities and other dental issues, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that you take your little surfer to see the dentist every six months.

This general rule of thumb may depend on your provider and what they think is best for your child’s specific needs.

When should my child have their first appointment with a pediatric dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should take your child to see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth erupts or on their first birthday.

To book your little surfer’s first appointment at our Auburn, WA office,

Are dental x-rays safe?

When you bring your child to Smile Surfers, we not only focus on their oral health, but also their total wellbeing.

In order to maintain safety for your child, we’ve decided to use digital x-rays. They protect your little surfer better than traditional x-rays by reducing radiation exposure up to 90%.

Do you provide other dental services?

At Smile Surfers Kids Dentistry, we happily serve the Auburn, Sumner, Puyallup, Tacoma, and Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick and Pasco) communities in Washington state!

In addition to exams and dental cleaning, we also offer the following services:

If you’re interested in any of these services and want to learn more, click here.