Why Do Kids Need Dental Cleanings?
If your kids take time to brush and floss every day, do they really need to undergo a dental cleaning? The answer is yes! Without one, there is an increased risk of tooth decay. But a simple visit twice a year can help safeguard little smiles! In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about our professional dental cleanings.
The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar
Over time, when kids consume foods and drinks with lots of sugar and starch in them, this leaves behind particles for harmful oral bacteria to consume. When this happens, the teeth become coated in a sticky material known as plaque, which can be exacerbated by poor brushing and flossing habits. The buildup hardens with time into tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss alone. The layers then weaken and erode enamel to cause cavities and infection, and could irritate the gums to cause gingivitis. Your kids could also be susceptible to teeth stains and bad breath. But a visit twice a year could be helpful!
The Dental Cleaning Process
With a professional dental cleaning, our team can use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently and thoroughly break up and remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. The process only takes a short period, and we take time to ensure your little one feels relaxed and comfortable. The last step is to polish the teeth to ensure they are bright and to make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the teeth before your next visit. If your child has not had a visit in months, there is still time for a final cleaning of 2024, so they start the holiday season with brighter and healthier smiles. You also have a chance to use your remaining 2024 dental benefits or health savings account funds before they expire at the end of December.
Brushing and Flossing
At home, you can help your kids practice good oral hygiene to limit the severity of plaque until we see them for their next visit. For example, make sure they brush for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. This should happen in the morning and at night. We also recommend flossing before bed too, which removes what a toothbrush alone cannot. Try to limit how much sugar is in their diet too, which we know can be challenging during the holiday season!
If you have any questions, contact our team right away!
Talk to Our Team About Preventive Dentistry
If you have questions about how we clean little smiles, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with our team, call your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, at (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Children's Dental Services