Why Is Professional Teeth Cleaning So Important For Children?

The path to optimal oral health begins with expert teeth cleaning and evaluation services at a young age. Children are more prone to dental problems. Regular dental examinations and cleanings can help prevent cavities, plaque accumulation, and periodontal disease. 

What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?

A hygienist, dentist, or pediatric dentist performs professional teeth cleaning to remove tooth plaque and tartar. This helps to avoid cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Routine cleaning also includes a complete oral dental exam, which may consist of tooth polishing and thorough flossing.

Periodontal maintenance is a step above regular cleanings, involving a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Preventative steps taken as a youngster can help to ensure long-term oral health.

When Should Children Have Their First Teeth Cleaning?

While you should start practicing oral hygiene as soon as your children are born, the first professional teeth cleaning should take place within the first six months of their teeth sprouting into the mouth. Most individuals begin their dental journey when they start eating solid foods. Baby teeth do not last forever but are essential for your child's dental health.

Why Is It Important to Have Your Child's Teeth Cleaned?

Tartar, plaque, and cavities can all build up on baby teeth, leading to gum disease and tooth loss. To maintain optimal growth of the permanent teeth, all primary teeth must remain healthy and intact (until they naturally fall out). Regular dental visits can spot any problems and help you have a healthy mouth. Let's take a closer look at why getting your child's teeth professionally cleaned is crucial.

Preventing cavities

Did you know that children have a greater chance of developing cavities during their first 14 years of life? This is the time when regular oral hygiene practices are essential for preventing dental decay and mouth disease. These efforts, which include regular dental examinations and cleanings, serve to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth.

Prevents tooth loss

Dental cleanings twice a year help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease causes tooth loss in childhood and adults. To properly grow and retain strength, the bone that supports the tooth requires a healthy environment, including the gum line.

Premature loss may cause permanent teeth to grow out of place, resulting in crowding or becoming crooked. As the child grows older, these concerns may result in speech delays, chewing difficulty, and orthodontic treatments.

Brightens teeth

Typically considered an adult issue, keeping teeth white and sparkling might help children maintain their self-esteem. Youngsters are more prone to conceal their smiles if they are tormented or ridiculed for having yellow and discolored teeth. They can easily lose interest in meeting new acquaintances and participating in social events. Professional teeth cleaning can help avoid tooth discoloration.

Improves oral health

Regular dental cleanings and checkups can help avoid tooth decay, unpleasant infections, and oral diseases. Children learn through imitation, and getting familiar with dental checkups at an early age can result in more than just a healthy mouth.

Fights infection

Yes, children can develop gumline infections at any age. The gumline supports the undamaged tooth, and a healthy gumline can assist prevent infection. A dentist, particularly a pediatric dentist, can readily convey to your child the necessity of good gum care. They can also utilize the right instruments to demonstrate correct gum care to your child, which they can practice at home. 

How Frequently Should You Schedule Your Child's Dental Cleanings?

It is suggested that children have frequent checkups once every six months to prevent oral disorders and maintain good dental health. These examinations often include a cleaning and examination to look for any prospective dental problems. As with any health issue, early detection is critical to a healthy outcome, particularly with oral health issues.