Dentists- what should happen at an initial check-up?

[BibbityBobbityBoooo]

Hi all,
I'm new to this site & am really happy to 'be' here! I took my 2 ds to the dentist for a checkup & was quite surprised when the whole process for both of them took less than 6 or 7 minutes.

The last time they went to a dentist (OS) it was a much more thorough process: teeth checked, cleaned & treated with fluoride. This visit consisted in a visual inspection of the teeth & advice to the kids to remember to brush properly.

I enquiried whether they were going to clean & treat with fluoride but was told they don't clean children's teeth as they are too delicate or words to that effect.

I wouldn't mind some feedback from other members about what one should expect at a child's six month dental checkup. I just feel really funny because I've done the right thing & taken them to get their teeth looked after but the end result is exactly the same as if I hadn't bothered. Should I try a different dentist? Would an actual paediatric dentist be better? Thanks!

My boys are not 10,5 and 3, we have been to 3 dentists (having moved around areas, not because I didn't like the dentist ;)). They have all only spent a couple of minutes looking at the boys teeth and never cleaned them. At our last checkup the dentist told me that DS2 has problems with his teeth and needed to use a fluoride mouthwash to ensure he was getting enough fluoride, else he may need fillings next time we go. So it seems within the short time space the dentist is able to check their teeth thoroughly.

Check up is very brief and not a lot done other than having a brief look at their teeth and advice about keeping their teeth healthy (brushing and diet advice). Son had a very quick clean and polish last time, he is 13 and I think all his teeth are adult ones now. This is at a private dentist, not sure if NHS would be different.

mine are 5 and 8 and their check ups only consist of a quick look at the teeth and to record missing teeth/new adult teeth. DS got some fluoride paint on his 2 new adult molars as they have grown in with incomplete enamel and was prescribed high fluoride toothpaste to help preserve them. Neither have had their teeth cleaned at the dentist

Thank you all for the quick responses! I see that my DS's check ups were fairly standard after all. Thanks!

I would spend 5 minutes max. I would clean teeth only if there was a lot of tartar. I would polish only if the child needed treatment and needed something gentle and fun to acclimatise them first. I do not routinely polish as it is either "cosmetic", or soft debris that can be removed with proper home brushing. If the child was cooperative I would attempt check up xrays, so realistically not before the age of 10 or so usually. I would apply fluoride varnish to any suspect teeth, so not routinely.

Obviously if I found a problem then it would take longer as I would want to discuss diet and hygiene etc more extensively.

That's very helpful. Thanks bonzo77!