Why Is It Important to Get Children’s Teeth Cleaned?
Scheduling your child’s routine dental cleanings is an integral part of your child’s oral health and development. We, at Coppell Pediatric Dentistry, are committed to providing our young patients with quality preventative care to help maintain long-term healthy smiles.
When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Cleaning?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months of the arrival of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday. Routine cleanings are vital for maintaining the oral health of children of all ages, from babies to toddlers, teens, and adolescents. The preventative appointments involve evaluating your child’s development and helping you establish proper oral hygiene care practices to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
How Often Should You Schedule Your Child Dental Cleanings?
We recommend scheduling your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings every six months, during which we will perform a thorough professional cleaning and check for early signs of dental problems. We will treat any condition to prevent it from progressing and will provide any needed preventative treatments to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and sound.
Why Is It Important to Get Your Child’s Teeth Cleaned?
Keeping up with your child’s periodic dental cleanings is a preventative measure that helps keep oral disease at bay. Baby teeth, just like permanent teeth, are vulnerable to plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause cavities and gum disease and make your child uncomfortable and less likely to eat. If not treated, tooth decay can continue to progress, potentially leading to complications, including infection and tooth loss. Detecting and treating early signs of problems will prevent involved and costly procedures down the road.
Even though baby teeth don’t last forever, they play a vital role in the development of your child’s adult teeth. Healthy primary teeth maintain the needed space for the permanent teeth developing behind the scenes. The premature loss of baby teeth can impact your child’s oral health and development. The neighboring may begin shifting out of alignment, potentially leading to crooked adult teeth or a crowded mouth, which will likely require future orthodontic treatment. Additionally, keeping your child’s baby teeth intact will help with speech development, and allow for proper chewing.
What Happens During Your Child’s Dental Cleaning?
Dr. Karen will start the appointment with a dental exam and may take digital x-rays, if needed, to rule out any potential problems. Dental cleaning involves gently removing plaque or tartar buildup, followed by flossing. Our hygienist will polish your child’s teeth and may apply a fluoride treatment to help prevent tooth decay. The team at Coppell Pediatric Dentistry is trained to provide the highest level of gentle care throughout the cleaning process.
Caring For Your Child’s Teeth at Home
It’s important to teach your child how to brush and floss properly from an early age to keep those pearly whites clean and free of plaque and tartar. Make sure your child consumes a balanced, nutritious diet, and avoid sugar, especially in beverages such as juices and flavored milk, and in sticky, chewy snacks.
Dental Cleaning Appointment Near Me
Contact Coppell Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child’s dental exam and cleaning today! We are here to provide outstanding preventative care and tips on maintaining your child’s oral health. Dr. Karen and her team look forward to working alongside you to ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles!