Your Child Should Have A Dental Cleaning
Over time, various factors could lead to serious buildup of plaque and tartar. For kids of all ages, this could mean an increased risk of cavities and even gingivitis for older kids. To control this buildup and keep smiles bright and healthy, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist may recommend a dental cleaning.
The Causes and Risks of Plaque Buildup
There are harmful oral bacteria in you and your child’s smile, and when we fail to brush and floss properly, and also consume foods and drinks with lots of sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles for bacteria to consume. In the process of doing so, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque. This buildup cannot be removed with brushing and flossing, and hardens into tartar over time. Without removal, the buildup could weaken the outer enamel, causing demineralization and cavities to form. Older kids could also be at risk for gingivitis, and the buildup is linked to bad breath and teeth stains too. To protect oral health, kids need to have plaque and tartar removed every six months.
Removal With a Cleaning
When your little one comes to our office, our team will talk to him or her and ensure your little one feels comfortable and relaxed. The cleaning isn’t a long procedure, and simply involves the hygienist or dentist removing all plaque and tartar buildup with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. Afterward, the teeth will be thoroughly polished. That’s it! Children should start having these visits every six months at around age two, and continue into adulthood and beyond.
Brushing and Flossing Habits
To help limit how much plaque and tartar can coat your child’s teeth, you should make sure they brush and floss each day. Kids need to brush in the morning and at night with an age-appropriate toothbrush and a rice-sized bit of fluoride toothpaste. You can assist your baby and toddler-aged children, and monitor your older ones. There are fun videos and apps to help time them and make sure they clean thoroughly. Every evening, kids also need to floss. They can use tape or a pick, as long as they clean up and down each side of every tooth. These actions help remove food particles before harmful bacteria can break them down.
If you have any questions about how we keep smiles clean and healthy in childhood, or if you want to schedule a visit for your child, then contact our team today.
Your Dallas, TX Pediatric Dentist Helps Remove Harmful Buildup
At Pediatric Dental Care At Casa Linda, we want to help kids enjoy optimal oral health for years to come. To find out more about how we preserve and protect little smiles, please call our Dallas, TX pediatric dental office at 214-321-4880!
filed under: Children's Dental Services