Professional Cleanings Benefit Your Child’s Smile

Posted April 12, 2021

Our last blog was all about how an exam could help protect smiles from major problems. But in addition to dental checkups, all kids benefit from having their teeth cleaned too. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist will talk about professional cleanings, and why your child should have one.

The Causes of Plaque and Tartar

Did you know that over time, harmful oral bacteria will break down the particles left behind by the foods and drinks your child consumes? Especially if they fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice! This starts a chain reaction, as oral acidity levels elevate, and the bacteria begin coating the teeth in a plaque buildup. Sticky and impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone, plaque could begin to weaken and erode the outer enamel, exposing the sensitive inner dentin to bacteria. Cavities then form, which spread and grow in severity with time. A cleaning enables us to remove the buildup completely!

Cleaning the Teeth

During your child’s six-month visit, we will carefully examine the smile for warning signs of trouble. If we discover cavities and other concerns, we can administer treatment. But during the same visit, we will also clean the teeth. With an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, our team will carefully remove all buildup from the surfaces of the teeth. The process only takes a few minutes, and we complete it by polishing the teeth thoroughly. The cleaning helps lower the risk of cavities and gingivitis, and also fights teeth stains and bad breath.

Continuing Care at Home

To help control plaque and cavity risks at home, we also suggest providing healthier snack options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain items. Encourage your kids to drink plenty of water, and help them brush twice a day and floss every evening. These actions help reduce how much plaque can form in between your six-month visits, helping protect smiles of all ages from serious oral health problems. If you have any questions about how we keep smiles clean, strong, and beautiful for kids of all ages, then please contact our team today to learn more.

Does Your Child Need a Cleaning Appointment?

Our team would like to help protect your child’s smile from cavities and gingivitis, so they enjoy bright, healthy smiles for years to come, and obtain a better understanding of their own oral health in the process. To learn about how we address poor oral health and keep teeth strong with regular care every few months, then  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.