Did you know your child's oral healthcare routine sets the tone for their oral health in the future? Oral hygiene is an essential part of dental care. It is also the part of dental care that many children struggle with. Many children do not like brushing their teeth, and the younger they are, the more likely it is that they are not brushing correctly.
For these and other reasons, dentists recommend that children get dental cleanings every six months, just like adults.
Learn why regular dental cleaning is vital for your child.
It Helps Monitor Your Child's Teeth As They Grow
During dental cleanings, your pediatric dentist examines your child's teeth to see if they are growing in correctly. If they are not, the dentist tries to correct the issue early on. If the issue cannot be resolved at a young age, the dentist can recommend the age at which your child can get braces.
It Prevents Cavities
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42 percent of children aged two to 11 have cavities in their primary teeth. Cavities are prevalent among children because they are not thorough when brushing their teeth. Additionally, many children snack on sweets and other sugary foods.
Cavities cause permanent damage to the surface of the teeth. They may also cause toothaches and infections. Sometimes, dentists have to remove teeth with cavities. Regular dental cleanings remove bacteria that cause cavities, helping children remain cavity-free.
It Ensures Your Child Gets Thorough Dental Cleaning
Some spots in the mouth, such as the back molars, are hard to reach when brushing. Plaque and bacteria accumulate when these areas remain ignored for a long time and may cause cavities, infections, and gum disease.
A pediatric dentist has the tools to clean hard-to-reach areas in your child's mouth without making them uncomfortable. The dentist cleans your child's teeth thoroughly, removing plaque and bacteria that cause dental problems.
It Helps Identify Small Dental Issues Before They Become Severe
During a cleaning session, the dentist examines your child's teeth for problems they need to fix before cleaning. This exam allows the dentist to spot early signs of dental problems and administer the needed treatment.
For instance, during a dental cleaning session, the dentist may spot a small cavity on your child's tooth and fill it before it causes toothaches. Treating dental problems while they are minor saves you money and keeps your child from experiencing discomfort in the future.
It Promotes Good Dental Care Habits
Taking your child to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned impresses upon them the importance of dental hygiene. This sets the tone for how your child cares for their teeth as they grow.
Regular dental cleaning appointments allow your child to build a good relationship with their dentist. Thus, they will be more comfortable visiting the dentist and will likely be keen on dental appointments in the future.
It Improves Your Child's Breath
Poor oral hygiene results in bad breath. Most parents blame their children's bad breath on the foods they have eaten that day. However, bad breath is often due to infections and bacteria. Regular dental cleaning eliminates bacteria and infections that cause bad breath, allowing your child to enjoy fresh breath.
Regular dental cleaning allows your child to enjoy good oral health and instill good oral hygiene practices. A dental office dedicated to treating children is the best place to take your child for dental cleaning. Dentists know how to handle children's fears and make dental cleaning less daunting for children.
At Treasured Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide child-friendly dental cleaning for children of all ages. Contact us today to book an appointment with our dentists.