In today’s post, we review children’s dental cleanings.
Does your child need a professional dental cleaning if you practice dental hygiene at home?
Short answer? Yes.
Let’s discuss it.
Both activities are critical. They reinforce each other. They work in tandem to protect your son or daughter’s smile as they grow.
Justin Johnson encourages patients to practice preventative dentistry by:
- Brushing—help your toddler brush their teeth then clean thoroughly afterward
- 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 tartar that can rack up even with proper oral hygiene.
When plaque hardens, it can only be taken off with special tools.
Pediatric Instruments for Pediatric Cleanings
At Jefferson City Dental Care, 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 at ease 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 have been taken off, polishing is the final step in a pediatric dental cleaning.
Dental Cleanings Protect Against Tooth Decay
One important goal of the process is to make tooth surfaces as smooth as possible. This prevents food particles from lodging in small 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 crucial 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 son or daughter has braces, we may advise more frequent dental cleanings. Food can easily lodge between the wires.
Call Jefferson City Dental Care at 573-634-2400 to schedule a professional cleaning for your child today.
Contact Jefferson City Dental Care:
573-634-2400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3551 Amazonas Dr
Jefferson City, Missouri
65109
