During the first decade of their life, the risk of kids developing cavities is at its highest. Fortunately, professional dental cleaning can help get rid of plaque buildup, prevent cavities and detect cavities that might have already developed. Without routine cleaning, these cavities can easily spread, get worse and cause more serious dental issues.
Regular cleaning is the most suitable way to keep your little one’s smile healthy and beautiful, and prevent more stressful and lengthier dentist visits and more invasive dental procedures.
Brushing and Flossing Help, But They’re Not Enough
Brushing and flossing your kid’s teeth are great and all, but they won’t suffice to keep your child’s teeth clean. It’s just not possible for toothbrushes to reach every single nook and cranny in the teeth. And while flossing helps, it doesn’t always get rid of food residue that might become stuck in between the teeth and gums.
Think of professional dental cleaning conducted by pediatric dentists in South Jordan as a deep cleaning procedure that will help prevent the cavities and plaque buildup.
How Often Should Your Kid Get Professional Dental Cleaning?
Some parents assume that professional cleaning isn’t that vital for kids, especially those who still have their milk or baby teeth. But this isn’t the case. In fact, healthy baby teeth will help your kid’s speech development, enable your kid to chew properly, keep your kid’s gums healthy and save adequate space for adult or permanent teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you have your kid’s teeth professionally checked and cleaned at least every six months, starting at age two. The AAPD also suggests that you bring your kid to his or her first dental checkup by age one so that the dentist can see how his or teeth are developing.
If you kid becomes used to visiting the dentist from an early age, he or she will be more likely to get used to routine checkups and cleaning, and less likely to be scared or anxious about future visits. In addition, going to the dentist regularly will help communicate to your kid the importance of proper dental habits even at a young age.
What to Expect During Professional Dental Cleaning
Generally, the dentist will perform the following procedures during a routine cleaning:
- Get rid of hardened plaque, also called calculus, that adheres to the tooth enamel. This can only be removed using special dental instruments.
- Remove other sticky residue or plaque that has formed on the teeth to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Polish the teeth to get rid of stains.
- Discuss proper dental health habits with you and your kid, if your kid is mature enough to understand.
It’s also crucial to note that routine dental cleaning can help alert your dentist of any dental health issues your kid might have. Your dentist could detect early signs of potential issues, such as receding gums, abnormal tooth development and cavities, so these can be addressed as early as possible. This means that even if you think your kid has healthy teeth, regular dental cleaning is a must.