Extra Gentle Care For Their Gums And Teeth
Children should make regular visits to the dentist, just like adults. Consistent teeth cleaning and check-ups are essential measures to safeguard their oral health and promote proper development. This dental cleaning process eliminates plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, persistent bad breath, and potentially impact the alignment of their adult teeth. A child-friendly hygienist possesses the expertise to access areas that may be challenging for kids to reach with their routine brushing and flossing at home.
Following a comprehensive cleaning, it is an ideal opportunity for the hygienist and dentist to conduct a thorough examination of their overall oral health. This evaluation includes identifying any problem areas, monitoring the emergence or shedding of baby teeth, and tracking the positioning of permanent adult teeth. We will provide guidance on what to keep an eye on and offer tailored tips and tricks for at-home oral care that specifically address your child’s unique needs.
Routine pediatric teeth cleanings and examinations serve several crucial purposes:
- Maintain the health and strength of both baby and new adult teeth.
- Prevent gum disease and uphold overall oral well-being.
- Monitor their development and milestones throughout various stages.
- Foster a positive rapport with the dentist.
- Empower children to assume responsibility for their oral health at home.
- Establish enduring habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
What Happens During Children’s Teeth Cleaning?
Before their check-up, we will review their chart and history to quickly find any problem areas or identify troubling patterns. We may take prescribed X-rays or ask about fluoride treatment or sealants for new adult teeth. We will speak to your child in a kid-friendly manner to make them feel comfortable and ask them about how they feel about their teeth and mouth and if they have anything they’d like to ask or share.
Gum health
Gums, though frequently overlooked, play a crucial role in supporting your child’s teeth and shaping their smile. Maintaining healthy gums is of utmost importance, especially as their permanent teeth begin to emerge. Children are just as vulnerable to inflammatory gum diseases as adults. Our team will pay special attention to evaluating the soft tissues in their mouth and provide age-appropriate guidance for flossing and gum care to be practiced at home.
Plaque & tartar removal
Plaque, a soft and adhesive film, begins to build up on teeth as soon as they erupt. When left unattended, plaque can solidify into stubborn tartar deposits. Both plaque and tartar are culprits behind tooth decay and can be particularly challenging to eliminate from the tight spaces between teeth and along the gum-line. A skilled hygienist possesses the necessary tools and expertise to delicately remove these adherent plaque and tartar deposits from these challenging areas. Once this is accomplished, we may suggest a fluoride treatment to fortify their enamel.
Watching for milestones
The dentist will review your child’s dental records along with any recent X-rays, focusing on identifying any issues, concerning trends, or new developments that require monitoring. Children typically begin developing their first set of teeth between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. As they grow, they will gradually shed their baby teeth and replace them with permanent adult teeth, a process that continues into their teenage years (and sometimes even beyond, particularly for wisdom teeth!). It’s important to note that every child’s dental journey is unique. The dentist will carefully track their dental development and promptly address any concerns or delays they may observe.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar to adults, our general recommendation is for children to schedule dental appointments every six months for teeth cleaning and checkups, unless otherwise advised by the dentist. Some individuals may opt for more frequent visits, occurring as often as every three months. However, we highly recommend not extending the interval between appointments beyond one year.
Don’t wait. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or oral health it’s best to come in right away so we can address any issues while they’re still minor.
Young children lack a clear understanding of what constitutes an acceptable level of discomfort, often remaining silent about their pain. Some children quietly endure discomfort, making it crucial for parents to be attentive. If you observe any of the following signs, your child may be experiencing dental discomfort or pain: excessive touching or cupping of their face and teeth, defensive behaviour or fear when others approach their face and teeth, swelling, redness, or discolouration of the gums, cheeks, and teeth, potential fever in the case of a toothache, avoidance of hot and cold foods and beverages, reluctance to consume chewy or hard foods like raw vegetables and meat chunks, exclusive chewing on one side of their mouth, and increased irritability or sadness, which can often accompany dental pain.
Most appointments last between thirty minutes to an hour. Dental appointments can take longer if children have lots of questions or for anxious children who need plenty of reassurance and gentle patience.
Initiating proper dental care for your child should begin as soon as their teeth start to emerge. Utilize toothpaste and brushes specifically designed for children, ensuring they are approved and age-appropriate. It’s essential to educate your child about their oral health and in still the habit of brushing their teeth twice daily. Fluoride treatments offer significant benefits to children’s dental health, so consider requesting them at the dentist and incorporating fluoridated products and drinking water into their routine at home. Limit the consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages like juice and soda, emphasizing moderation. Particularly, steer clear of sweet treats and snacks before bedtime. Setting a positive example is paramount, so remember to brush your own teeth twice daily and practice good dental hygiene, including flossing.
Your child should wait at least 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. Waiting the full 30 minutes gives the treatment time to work it’s magic before it’s scrubbed away by food and rinsed away with drink.
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