The Dangers Of Plaque Buildup For Kids
Over time, factors like oral hygiene habits and the food and drinks your child consumes can leave them vulnerable to plaque buildup and with it, the risk of cavities and gingivitis. But with a routine visits every few months, we can protect the smile. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about dental cleanings for kids.
How Buildup Forms
Plaque buildup occurs when harmful oral bacteria in your child’s mouth begin to break down particles of sugar and starch that are left behind by the foods and drinks your kids consume. Lack of proper brushing and flossing habits allow these particles to stay in place for bacteria to cause, which coats the teeth in layers of plaque. Over time, plaque then hardens into tartar. While brushing and flossing can help, only a professional cleaning can remove these layers. Left in place, they increase the risk of tooth decay and infection, gingivitis and gum disease, and even bad breath and teeth stains. But we can help safeguard little smiles with a cleaning!
Dental Cleanings
We recommend a dental cleaning every six months, so we can remove buildup before it weakens outer enamel to inflames the gum tissues. The process is a simple and only takes a few minutes. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick, we will remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Our team then polishes them for a brighter appearance. We will talk to your kids and answer their questions throughout the process, so they feel comfortable and relaxed. We strive to make sure kids have a positive experience at our office!
Brushing and Flossing
Along with cleanings every six months, kids can take action to limit plaque and tartar buildup in between their six-month visits. For example, cutting back on sugary foods and drinks can limit how is left behind for bacteria to consume. Likewise, brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing every evening can remove stray particles and deny harmful bacteria of a meal, which limits buildup until we can see your child again for their next appointment. If you haven’t scheduled a checkup and cleaning in 2024 yet, we urge you to do so soon. We want to help kids in our community enjoy their best smiles, and that starts with routine care at home and in our office! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Our team is ready to help protect children from poor oral health with our routine six-month visits. To learn more about safeguarding little smiles against cavities and more, then please contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Children's Dental Services