In today’s post, we explore children’s dental cleanings.
Does your child need a professional dental cleaning if you practice dental hygiene at home?
Short answer? Yes.
Let’s consider it.
Both tasks are critical. They reinforce each other. They work in tandem to protect your son or daughter’s smile as they grow.
Amy Horton encourages patients to practice preventative dentistry by:
- Brushing—help your child brush their teeth then clean thoroughly afterwards
- Flossing—start as soon as your toddler has two adjacent teeth
- Healthy diet–limit sugary snacks and beverages
- Regular pediatric dental cleanings with a fluoride treatment
- Regular examinations
Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of daily oral care by removing the plaque and tarter that can collect even with proper oral hygiene.
When plaque hardens, it can only be taken off with special tools.
Pediatric Instruments for Pediatric Cleanings
At The Carrollton Dentist, our exam and cleaning tools are designed for small mouths. Our hygienists are trained to work with toddlers, preteens, and teenagers. We make sure our patients are comfortable during cleanings.
Your child’s hygienist will use a vibrating ultrasonic tool. It doesn’t cause pain but it may tickle a bit. The hygienist will remove the largest pieces of tartar.
The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar has been removed, polishing is the final step in a pediatric dental cleaning.
Dental Cleanings Protect Against Tooth Decay
One important purpose of the process is to make tooth surfaces as smooth as possible. This avoids food particles from lodging in tiny crevices. These are challenging to clean for adults and children alike.
After the cleaning, the hygienist can administer a fluoride treatment. This increases the effectiveness of the cleaning.
Dental Cleanings for Primary Teeth?
It’s just as critical to have professional dental cleanings for primary teeth as well as permanent teeth.
Dental X-rays
If your child is having an exam during the same visit, your hygienist may take dental X-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled.
Children’s Dental Sealants
Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are a problem, we will discuss sealants.
Braces and Oral Hygiene
Orthodontia makes daily oral hygiene more difficult. If your child has braces, we may advise more frequent dental cleanings. Food can easily lodge between the wires.
Call The Carrollton Dentist at 469-708-2049 to schedule a professional cleaning for your child today.
Contact The Carrollton Dentist:
469-708-2049
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2440 N Josey Ln Ste 101
Carrollton, Texas
75006
