It is important to brush and floss teeth on a daily basis. However, it is not enough to keep your child’s oral hygiene and health at its optimal level. Developing your child’s habit of visiting the dentist on a regular basis from an early age will encourage them to maintain this good habit as they grow older.
What Happens During A Typical Dental Cleaning For Kids?
It usually takes less than an hour to perform a thorough dental cleaning – provided that you make a regular habit of it. The benefits of dental cleanings every six months can have huge benefits in the long run.
During your child’s dental cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will perform the following procedures:
- Review your child’s oral health history
- Takes X-rays of their mouth
- Scrape of any plaque or buildup on their teeth
- Clean all sides of every tooth using an ultrasonic dental tool
- Floss and polish each tooth
- Review the X-rays for cavities or any other issues
- Examine the teeth and gums
When To Start?
The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking children for their first dental visit after their first baby tooth starts to erupt. Infants and toddlers may have what is known as a toothbrush prophy, or knee-to-knee exam, during their first visit. The parent will sit on a bench facing the dentist with their knees touching. The parent will seat the child on his or her lap, facing the parent, and lean the child backward so that the child’s head rests on the dentist’s knees. The dentist will then perform a thorough oral exam, count the child’s teeth, and clean the teeth with a toothbrush. The purpose of the first few visits is for the child to feel safe in their surroundings by remaining seated on the parent’s lap. This enables the dentist to gain the trust of the patient and the patient becomes familiar with having the dentist examine and brush their teeth. Although the first few visits may not involve a traditional dental cleaning, with regular visits, your child will become more comfortable in the chair and will be ready for a traditional cleaning when the time is appropriate.
