One of the toughest parts about caring for children is sorting out all the different areas of pediatric care. Fortunately, pediatric dentists can help with children’s dental care. For most children, this starts with a dental cleaning and oral exam.
Dental cleanings are critical for children’s dental care for two reasons: maintaining healthy teeth and catching dental health problems early on. Early detection of dental issues allows for easier, more comfortable treatment. For instance, catching a cavity in its early stages prevents the need for a root canal. Without cleanings, dental problems can progress into more severe conditions, which can cause tooth pain and sensitivity.
Children should receive regular dental cleanings so the dentist can detect dental problems early. The current recommendation from the American Dental Association, or ADA, is about every six months. Parents should consider taking their children in for their first dental cleaning as soon as the first tooth erupts or before they turn one year old.
For a better picture of why dental cleanings are important for children's dental care, it can help to learn what happens during a cleaning. Keep in mind that cleanings are often paired with oral exams, as they can take a single appointment. Therefore, the pediatric dentist will provide both a teeth cleaning and oral exam at the child's first appointment and every checkup after. Take a closer look below at the components of a dental checkup:
Dental cleanings, or teeth cleanings, are straightforward. The goal is to remove any plaque (sticky bacterial deposit on the teeth) and tartar (hardened plaque), then polish the teeth to improve their appearance and make it harder for plaque to form. The dental hygienist will use special dental tools (usually, these tools are scalers) to scrape away plaque and tartar on the teeth and along the gum line. As mentioned, if tartar is left on the teeth, bacteria will be left to eat away at the teeth, causing cavities and gum disease.
Dental cleanings do not typically hurt. They may cause some pain or discomfort if the plaque and tartar buildup is substantial or if the teeth are sensitive. Anxiety related to dental cleanings tends to be more rooted in fear of the process rather than any pain associated with it, especially if the child has healthy teeth. Our pediatric dental team works to make each dental cleaning a positive experience, such as through rewards and communication.
After a dental cleaning, the pediatric dentist will conduct an oral exam to find dental issues that could have been hiding beneath plaque buildup. A cleaning may have exposed cavities or issues along the gum line, such as a receding gum line. This involves using tools to probe the chewing surfaces of molars for signs of decay, as well as measuring how deep the spaces are between the gums and teeth (gum pockets or periodontal pockets).
If there are any issues, the pediatric dentist will provide recommendations on what to do next. For cavities, this may mean a dental filling or dental crown to restore the tooth. An improved oral hygiene routine may help relieve gum problems.
During a dental checkup, the pediatric dentist can provide advice and recommendations on how to care for the child’s teeth at home. They can cover which toothpaste would be best for a child depending on their age and needs (such as if they have sensitive teeth). While fluoride toothpaste is the gold-standard toothpaste for adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend fluoride toothpaste for children under age two due to the risk of them swallowing it. The same concern is present with children’s mouthwash. A pediatric dentist can advise parents on when to introduce mouthwash into a child’s oral hygiene routine.
Pediatric dentists can also teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques. If a child has difficulty brushing and flossing correctly or consistently, they may recommend that parents brush and floss their teeth with the child. This gives the child the chance to learn from their parents. It also helps create a routine.
Dental cleanings help prevent oral health problems. They also help pediatric dentists find any hidden problems and address them. To book a cleaning or learn more about children’s dental care, call our Richmond dental office today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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