Are you overdue for a professional dental cleaning for your child? Professional dental cleanings play an integral role in maintaining your child’s optimal oral health, and establishing a good oral hygiene routine early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Below are details about why dental cleanings are so important for children and what you and your child can expect, including how long the average appointment usually takes.
The Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are designed to remove plaque, hardened tartar, and stains that have accumulated on the teeth from daily eating and drinking. Even with meticulous daily brushing and flossing, plaque still builds up on and between the teeth and hardens into tartar over time. This makes professional cleanings from a certified dental hygienist essential to keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Most dentists recommend a professional cleaning every 6-12 months to prevent the early onset of gum disease and tooth decay in children.
What is a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that develops on the teeth after eating and drinking. If left to accumulate, plaque will harden into a calcified substance called tartar. Buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
During a professional dental cleaning, a certified oral hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar from each tooth using specialized instruments. The hygienist begins by removing larger tartar deposits, then switches to finer instruments to address smaller deposits and smooth the surfaces of the teeth. This process occurs when the hygienist works tooth by tooth to ensure thorough removal of all buildup. For children, hygienists are trained to focus on keeping young patients comfortable and calm and explaining each step in a friendly way.
After the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist uses a prophylaxis paste to polish the teeth, leaving them with a smooth, shiny surface. Depending on the health of your child’s teeth, the hygienist may also apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel and protect against future plaque and tartar buildup.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
The average dental cleaning takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Children’s visits are often on the shorter end of this range. The hygienist will typically begin by explaining the cleaning process and making sure your child feels comfortable and at ease. The cleaning usually follows a thorough review of the patient’s oral and medical history and a comprehensive exam of the teeth, gums, and supporting structures. Once the cleaning is complete, you will notice your child’s teeth look smoother and brighter. While the improved appearance is a benefit, the primary purpose of a professional dental cleaning is to prevent gum disease and support your child’s long-term oral health.
If your child is visiting a new dental office or you have questions about what to expect, you should have a conversation with the hygienist beforehand. Certified oral hygienists are skilled at communicating with both parents and young patients, providing guidance and education to help keep their patients’ teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
Related Article: My Teeth Hurt after Cleaning