Dental Cleanings for Children By Stephen Dowell, DDS on June 20, 2019

Professional dental care helps patients maintain good oral health for a lifetime. To set the course for good oral hygiene habits, routine dental exams and cleanings should start during childhood. Understandably, many children are anxious to go to the dentist, which leads some parents to neglect important pediatric dentistry services, such as dental exams and cleanings.

At Dowell Dental Group, we create a caring and comfortable atmosphere that makes our pediatric patients feel safe while they undergo dental treatment. Our dental cleanings for children support good oral health, teach proper oral hygiene habits, and detect dental problems early on so that our Minerva, OH patients can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.

When Should Dental Cleanings Start?

Many parents wait until their child has all of their baby teeth before they schedule their first dental exam and cleaning. Most children do not have their full set of primary teeth until they are between two and three years old. If a child is not seen by a dentist until they have all their teeth, they are actually getting a pretty late start on dental care.

The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental examination within their first year, or within six months of their first tooth erupting.

How Often Should I Schedule Cleanings?

As with adults, children should have a professional dental cleaning twice a year. By scheduling exams and cleanings regularly, parents can set the foundation for a positive relationship between their child and the dentist.

Routine appointments also allow our dentists to detect any potential dental complications early on so they can be treated before they progress. With preventative dental care, our pediatric patients can maintain a strong and healthy smile throughout their childhood and teenage years.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Cleaning

When children come to our Minerva practice for dental cleanings, their comfort and security is our first priority. Our dentists are gentle with our pediatric patients, and we will explain every stage of the examination and cleaning process as we go.

The appointment will begin with a visual examination of the teeth and gums. Our dentists will look for any signs of cavities, gum disease, overcrowding, or other spacing issues. At least once a year, a dental exam will include dental x-rays that give us a look at the jawbone and tooth structure. X-rays are helpful in diagnosing dental complications that are not noticeable through a visual examination.

The appointment will continue with a cleaning. Our dentists will gently clean the teeth to remove any plaque or tartar that may have built up around the teeth or gums. The teeth will then be polished to create a smooth, shiny surface. Most pediatric dental cleanings end with a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps prevent dental cavities, which are the most common dental concern for children.

Learn More

If you have more questions about pediatric dental care or any of our other general dentistry services, send us a message at your earliest convenience. You can also schedule an appointment with one of the experienced dentists at Dowell Dental Group by calling our practice.