Dental Cleanings for Kids

Regular dental cleanings for kids may seem unnecessary, but if you are concerned about your child’s oral health, then it is important. People spend time and money on early orthodontic treatment and braces because they want their children to have an adult smile that can last a lifetime but early regular dental cleanings are the key to a long lasting smile. Here are the benefits of early regular dental cleanings for kids.

It Prevents Early Tooth Loss

Various issues can cause early tooth loss, but one of the most common culprits is poor dental hygiene. Setting up regular cleanings for your children from an early age or as soon as their first tooth comes in can help prevent tooth loss later in life. Regular dental cleanings for children are a key part of helping them achieve and maintain good oral health. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can lead to tooth decay, and they also give your dentist a chance to let you know about any problems they may see with your child’s teeth, gums, tongue, or throat.
Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease. Gum disease occurs when the plaque and tartar accumulate at the gum line, causing inflammation in the gums that leads to bleeding at first but eventually causes periodontitis, an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth that can lead to tooth loss. While it doesn’t happen often, gum disease can occur in young people, and it’s a good idea to take early steps to prevent it.

It Promotes Healthy Habits

Regular cleanings are important for adults to keep their teeth clean and healthy. They are also essential for children because they are more prone to developing this issue due to their inability to brush their teeth properly. The earlier they begin getting regular cleanings, and learn to take care of their own teeth, the less likely they are to develop gum disease, cavities, or any other oral problems in their adult lives.

Teaching children how to properly brush and care for their teeth on their own is essential. Taking a child to the dentist helps inspire them and teach them the importance of oral hygiene. At a dental cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist can help to show your child how to properly brush their own teeth and stress to them the importance of it.

It Diagnoses Dental Issues Early

Regular dental cleanings for children can help dentists diagnose issues and provide early treatment to prevent problems from developing. Regular checkups are recommended for all children, but they are significant for those diagnosed with a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease.

Having regular dental cleanings is beneficial because it allows dentists to detect dental injuries or decay before they become major issues, saving money on expensive treatments in the future.
If parents aren’t sure how often their child should be getting these cleanings, they should talk with their dentist about it; no one-size-fits-all schedule works for every patient. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling visits at least twice per year, starting as soon as possible after birth.

It Provides Cavity Protection

Early cavity protection is an important part of dental care for children. Cavities are a direct result of the bacteria in plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth and contains bacteria that turn sugars from food into acid. This acid weakens the teeth, causing them to decay. Cavities form when the decay reaches the inside of the tooth. Regular dental checkups can help protect against these cavity-causing bacteria by cleaning off plaque and tartar and finding any early signs of cavities.

The process of removing plaque and tartar can include scraping, polishing, and brushing with special tools to remove any buildup on teeth. A child’s mouth is carefully examined during this process to make sure there are no signs of cavities or other problems.

Regular dental cleanings on a child will help keep their teeth healthier throughout their lives. By taking note of the information provided and asking your pediatrician for advice, you can keep your children on the path to healthy smiles.