The Importance of a Pediatric Dental Cleaning

A pediatric dental cleaning is a proactive measure to promote excellent oral health. Pediatric dentists advise parents to schedule routine dental checkups for their children, preferably once every six months.

These routine visits allow the dentist to monitor different aspects of your child’s oral health. The dentist also gets to chart the growth and development of the child’s mouth, allowing them to catch oral health problems in their earliest stages should they occur.

What to expect from a pediatric dental cleaning

Dental cleaning is the third and final step of a routine dental checkup. The first is a thorough dental exam that may or may not include dental x-rays. If the dentist finds any dental problems at this stage, they will recommend a corrective procedure. If the child’s teeth are in good shape, the dentist will:

• Scrub their teeth, using mild but gritty toothpaste and a gentle toothbrush or soft cloth
• Gently floss between the teeth
• Rinse the teeth
• Apply sealant or fluoride to protect their teeth

Pediatric dentists will take every possible measure to make the procedure a calm and stress-free process.

Benefits of pediatric dental cleaning

Teeth cleaning is part of a package deal that includes a dental exam. The preventative treatment comes with the following benefits:

1. The dentist gets to evaluate the oral habits of the child and caregiver

As the dentist evaluates the child’s teeth, they provide input and feedback to their caregivers. They will advise their parents on the importance of an appropriate diet, oral hygiene, and how to pass the information on to their children. The dentist will provide advice and guidance concerning developmental milestones and at-home dental exams.

2. The dentist gets to monitor the growth and development of the child’s mouth

The exam phase of a routine dental checkup will sometimes include x-rays. A pediatric dentist will use these images to chart the growth of the child’s jaws and teeth. X-rays also provide information that dentists use to spot orthodontic problems in their earliest stages.

3. Dental cleaning prevents plaque and tartar accumulation

The surfaces of some teeth are hard to reach because of their position in the mouth. Children with orthodontic problems may also have a hard time cleaning hard-to-reach nooks that form between crooked teeth.

Pediatric dentists make sure to clean every surface of every tooth, which prevents the accumulation of plaque and tartar. This protects against dental problems like cavities and gum disease.

4. Routine dental cleaning comes with cost savings

Dental cleaning is more affordable than treatment for cavities, missing teeth, or gum disease. Also, a child who sees the dentist for routine dental checks will more likely keep the habit into their old age.

This oral habit goes a long way to ensure good oral health for a lifetime. Teeth that require few dental procedures cost their owner very little money.

Good oral health is a gift that your child will enjoy for a lifetime

Our pediatric dental team looks forward to keeping a caring eye on your child’s oral health as they grow. Get in touch or stop by our Middletown clinic to schedule a routine dental check and pediatric dental cleaning.

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.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Middletown, NY.