Having your child brush their teeth at home is very important – and can be a great way to set the foundation for future routine dental care. But teeth and gums need a little more than daily brushing in order to remain healthy and strong.
By taking your child to the dentist for a teeth cleaning, you are helping to develop lifelong habits. A routine cleaning not only enhances daily home oral hygiene but can address any issues or areas of concern before they get out of hand.
Your child should be visiting the dentist every 6 months to get their teeth cleaned. Here’s why.
The Importance of a Teeth Cleaning
It may seem irrelevant to go to the dentist for a pediatric cleaning when children brush every single day (hopefully twice a day) at home. However, there is a big difference between a professional dental cleaning versus the one they give themselves with their toothbrush and toothpaste. Plaque is a sticky substance made of saliva, food debris, and bacteria. Regular brushing can remove a lot of it, but not all.
Over time, the plaque left behind turns into tartar, which is tough to remove and can cause staining and lead to other oral health concerns down the road. It takes a professional cleaning to fully remove this tough tartar and reduce any risks.
Often with routine teeth cleaning comes an exam by the dentist and, if needed, x-rays, too. The dentist will be able to thoroughly examine the freshly polished teeth to look for any signs of decay or disease. Not all cavities can be seen with the naked eye, but a dentist knows exactly what to look for and has the proper tools to probe and find anything that needs to be addressed.
Your child’s dentist will not only check their teeth, but their gums and jaw to ensure that growth and development are heading in the right direction. This keeps their mouth healthy and allows for any issues to be addressed early on.
Finally, during a dental cleaning appointment, your child will learn all about how to properly care for their teeth so that they have the greatest chance of a healthy mouth for life.
The First Dental Cleaning
So, when should your child get their first cleaning? Your child’s first trip to the dentist should be around their 1st birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth eruption. Granted, this will not necessarily involve cleaning, but it will allow your child to get comfortable with dental visits.
Further, you will learn ways to keep your child’s oral health in check as more teeth begin to erupt – until regular brushing becomes an option.
Pediatric Teeth Cleanings at Bisson Dentistry
Seeking routine dental care, such as teeth cleanings, at an early age means giving your child the greatest chance for a lifetime of good oral health. At Bisson Dentistry, we offer teeth cleanings to our patients, both young and old, as a preventative tool.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today at 519-821-3561. Or, request an appointment online.