Studies show that the dental habits formed in a child’s early years often determine the future health of their teeth. While most parents understand the importance of dental cleanings, they might be confused about how often kids need a dental cleaning and what age dental cleanings should start.
Keep reading to learn how often kids need dental cleanings!
For most children, parents should schedule a dental cleaning and check-up every six months. Twice-a-year cleanings enable their dentist and hygienist to monitor children’s tooth development and catch dental problems, like cavities or gum inflammation, early.
Some children may need more frequent dental cleanings. If they are more prone to developing plaque or have other dental health issues, they may need to have their teeth professionally cleaned more often.
Children should start going to the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth and then twice a year after that. Early check-ups sometimes involve dental cleanings, allow a child’s dentist to check for any signs of tooth trouble, and get them comfortable with visiting the dentist’s office.
When children come in for a dental cleaning, it usually involves the following:
Plaque Removal: A hygienist uses special dental tools to remove built-up plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from teeth.
Cleaning and Polishing: After plaque removal, an electronic dental tool is used to clean and polish the surface of teeth so they are smooth and shiny.
Fluoride Treatment: Once teeth are clean, the hygienist applies a fluoride coating to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Dental X-rays: If their teeth are healthy, children generally get x-rays taken once a year. If we suspect they have a dental issue, additional x-rays may be taken.
It is important that children get regular dental cleanings for several reasons, including:
Cavities are the most common dental problem in children. Children today are more likely to snack throughout the day, leaving their teeth more prone to plaque buildup and cavities.
Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing cavities. Even with a good home oral care routine, it’s easy to miss hard-to-reach places where plaque and tartar are likely to collect.
Your child’s dental hygienist is trained to clean the areas of the mouth most likely to develop cavities. Fluoride treatments applied at dental cleanings help strengthen tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay.
Adults are not the only ones who can develop gum disease. If plaque is not regularly removed from children’s teeth, it can cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Identifying gum disease early can result in more successful treatment. When caught early, gingivitis can often be reversed.
Healthy gums are crucial for supporting teeth and ensuring proper alignment. Dental cleanings help keep gums healthy by removing plaque along the gumline.
Oral exams usually accompany dental cleanings and help your child’s dentist to continuously monitor their dental development. Regular visits ensure that bite issues, like misalignment and crowding, are caught and corrected before they affect dental health.
Establishing a long-term relationship with a dentist is another way to promote your child’s dental health. It allows your child to build a trusting relationship with their dentist and for their dentist to closely track changes to their teeth as they grow.
Regular dental cleanings reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene to children. At these appointments, dentists and hygienists can show children proper brushing and flossing techniques and stress the importance of good oral health habits.
While twice-a-year dental cleanings are enough for most kids, sometimes a dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings. They might recommend this if a child has:
Every child’s teeth and gums are unique, and some children are more prone than others to develop cavities. Factors that increase the risk of cavities include diet, oral hygiene habits, and a family history of dental problems.
Children with braces or other orthodontic appliances might need more frequent cleanings to ensure the appliances do not contribute to oral health problems. Proper brushing and flossing can be more challenging for kids with braces, putting them at a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Kids with certain medical conditions or disabilities may require more frequent dental cleanings. Some of these conditions can affect oral health directly, while others might make it harder for the child to maintain proper oral hygiene.
If a child struggles to maintain a regular home oral health care routine and has chronic dental problems as a result, more frequent dental cleanings might help. Increasing the number of professional cleanings a child gets per year can help lessen the impact of poor oral hygiene.
Regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining a child’s dental health. Scheduling professional cleanings twice a year helps prevent cavities, maintain gum health, ensure proper dental development, and lead to healthy dental habits that last a lifetime.
Is it time for your child to have a dental cleaning? Schedule an appointment at Premier Pediatric Dentistry in Miami, FL, today!
