The Importance Of A Dental Cleaning
Our last blog briefly touched on dental cleaning, but we think this topic needs more attention. A dental cleaning is helpful for kids of all ages, and could be crucial for avoiding poor oral health issues, ranging from tooth decay to gingivitis in older children. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist is discussing the importance of a regular dental cleaning visit.
The Dangers of Plaque Buildup
When children consume foods high in sugar or starch, or drink beverages with a lot of sugar content, this leaves behind particles trapped on and between the teeth. Without proper brushing and flossing to remove them, bacteria will break down the trapped particles, elevating oral acidity and coating teeth in plaque in the process. This bacterial byproduct coats the teeth and eventually, causes both demineralization and gum inflammation, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing and flossing help control plaque, only a cleaning can completely remove this buildup from little smiles.
Cleaning Your Child’s Smile
Every six months, we want to see children three and up for a cleaning. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, our team will carefully and gently break up and remove all plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from the surfaces of the teeth. The process only takes a short time, and we then polish the teeth thoroughly. Alone with safeguarding smiles against cavities and gingivitis, this procedure is also helpful in preventing bad breath and teeth stains.
Plaque Control at Home
In between these six-month office visits, your children need to care for their smiles from home, and you can help by assisting or monitoring them, depending on their age. Children need to brush in the morning and again before bed, for about two minutes per session. We also recommend using a rice-sized blot of fluoride toothpaste, as this helps strengthen outer enamel. Once your children have teeth that sit side-by-side, then flossing is also crucial. Younger kids can start with a floss pick, before moving up to tape.
Use Your Benefits
If you have dental insurance for your family, then you have benefits that will expire at the end of December unless used. You should consider scheduling a visit soon, so you can use these benefits and help your children end 2020 with brighter, healthier smiles! If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions Protecting Little Smiles?
Routine care is essential for keeping little smiles healthy and bright. To learn more about our approach to children’s dental care, by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.
filed under: Family Dentistry