How Often Should My Child Have a Kid’s Dental Cleaning?

Has it been a while since your child took advantage of a kid's dental cleaning? Regular brushing at home is important, but it is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy and strong. From an early age, children need to start developing good habits of going to the dentist. At a wellness checkup, the dentist can evaluate how the child is doing and what treatment plans may need to take place.

A typical kid's dental cleaning

A regular checkup at the dentist’s office usually takes less than an hour, but the benefits can be long-lasting. The dental staff starts by reviewing the patient’s oral health history and will then take X-rays of the child’s mouth. Next, a hygienist will scrape off plaque or other buildup on the teeth. This is followed by cleaning all sides of every tooth using an ultrasonic dental tool. The hygienist flosses the patient’s teeth and then polishes them. Once the cleaning portion of the appointment is over, the dentist reviews the X-rays for cavities and other concerns and then examines the child’s teeth and gums.

When to start

Not long after a young child gets their first tooth, parents should schedule an appointment at the dentist’s office. Teeth usually begin to appear when the child is 6 months old. Dentists urge parents to bring kids in about six months afterward. Appointments for the first few years will not include much kids’ dental cleaning. Instead, the dentist will look for signs of trouble and developing issues. The dentist will follow up to make sure parents are helping the child brush and take care of the teeth.

Visit frequency

From the first visit onward, children should go to the dentist every six months for a kid's dental cleaning. This practice should extend well into adulthood and for the rest of the person’s life. Patients who struggle with gum disease or who are prone to getting cavities may need to make appointments in between wellness checkups.

Importance of consistent cleanings

While it is critical that children brush twice a day and floss daily, going to the dentist adds protection against cavities, infections and other oral health challenges. Parents who neglect these visits may discover their children are not giving their teeth enough attention. At a kids’ dental cleaning, the dentist can identify problems before they get too serious. The dentist can also provide treatment for tooth decay, gum disease and other abnormalities that the child could not get at home. Regular cleanings establish a pattern of good dental health throughout life.

Mark your calendar

Like clockwork, you should make it a priority to take your child to the dentist every six months. Never put off these appointments and a kids’ dental cleaning. These cleaning visits allow the dentist to take care of problems, instruct the child on good tooth and gum care and protect teeth from decay. Contact your child’s dentist today and make an appointment for a wellness checkup. You will notice immediate and long-term benefits.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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