What happens at a dental checkup?
Dr. Rivera, a made-up host, answers this for kids on a sample page for dental offices.
Dr. Rivera Dentist
These are examples. Your page shows your own team and questions.
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Transcript
Hi, I'm Dr. Rivera. I'm a dentist.
What happens at a dental checkup?
Someone on the team asks your grown-up questions about your health. They want to know how you feel and about any medicines you take.
The dentist or hygienist uses a small mirror to look all around your mouth. They look carefully at each of your teeth. They also check your gums and jaw. Sometimes, x-ray pictures are taken, but not at every visit.
A hygienist or dentist cleans your teeth. They use tools to take away anything hard that gets stuck on them.
The dentist tells your grown-up what they found inside your mouth. A checkup is for looking, not always for fixing things. If a tooth needs some work, you may come back another day.
Thanks for watching!
Sources
- American Dental Association / MouthHealthy: Medical/Dental Health History (opens in a new tab)
- American Dental Association / MouthHealthy: Common Questions About Going to the Dentist (opens in a new tab)
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine): Dental Exam (opens in a new tab)
- American Dental Association / MouthHealthy: Your Baby's First Dental Visit (opens in a new tab)
- American Dental Association / MouthHealthy: X-rays (opens in a new tab)