Z4 - Dental Checkup for Preschoolers

Dental checkup information for parents

Age
34-48 months (approx. 3-4 years)
Duration
~20 minutes
Performed by
Dentist

What happens during this examination?

  • Complete examination of all deciduous teeth and jaw development.
  • Professional topical fluoride application.
  • Caries risk assessment based on dietary habits, oral hygiene, and fluoride use.
  • Assessment of bite alignment and detection of malocclusions (crossbite, open bite).
  • Guidance on independent tooth brushing with parental supervision.
  • Nutritional advice (cariogenic foods, hidden sugars, snacking frequency).
  • Discussion of speech development as related to dental health.
  • Evaluation of the need for early orthodontic intervention.

Preparation Tips

  • Role-play a dentist visit at home (counting teeth, using a mirror).
  • Bring a favorite toy or blanket for comfort.
  • Avoid scheduling during naptime.
  • Bring the yellow booklet and vaccination record.

Questions for your doctor

  • Are all 20 deciduous teeth present?
  • Is my child at high risk for caries?
  • Does my child need orthodontic treatment?
  • How do I transition from pacifier to independent self-soothing?

When to call the doctor

  • Untreated caries lesions requiring fillings or pulp therapy.
  • Severe early childhood caries (ECC) affecting multiple teeth.
  • Crossbite, open bite, or deep bite (orthodontic issues).
  • Thumb sucking or pacifier use persisting beyond age 3.
  • Delayed speech development with dental causes (e.g., tongue-tie).
  • Frequent interproximal caries (between teeth) despite home care.

Parent Tips

  • Establish a "brush, book, bed" routine daily.
  • Supervise and assist with brushing until age 7-8 (child lacks manual dexterity).
  • Continue fluoride toothpaste (pea-sized amount, 1000-1500 ppm).
  • Promote crunchy vegetables (carrots, cucumber) as tooth-friendly snacks.
  • Space meals 2-3 hours apart to allow saliva to neutralize acids.
  • Consider dental sealants for first permanent molars when they erupt (around age 6).
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