From your child’s first teeth through the development of their permanent ones, regular cleaning is the foundation of good dental care. The dentists at Perfect Dental Care in New York, New York provide professional oral hygiene that not only ensures the health of your child’s teeth; it plays a major role in preventive care as well. To get your child’s teeth started right, call or book an appointment online.
Regular dental cleaning should begin shortly after your child’s first teeth start to come in, which typically occurs at six months to one year. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has a slogan: “First visit by first birthday.” In all, there are 20 primary teeth, commonly known as baby teeth, that play a crucial role in your child’s overall health. Baby teeth help children learn how to chew and speak properly, and they pave the way for the development of their permanent teeth.
One in four kids in the United States gets a cavity before the age of four, many as early as two years old, which is why seeing the dentist twice a year for professional cleaning is important. Even if your child doesn’t have any cavities, professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and other debris that can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone. If not removed regularly, this buildup can irritate your child’s gums and lead to cavities or gum disease.
Because Upper East Pediatric Dentistry specializes in dental care for children, the entire staff works together to ensure your child is comfortable and that your questions are answered. During the cleaning, the dentist or oral hygienist:
Examines your child’s teeth
Removes plaque and tartar
Brushes your child’s teeth with special toothpaste
Polishes your child’s teeth
Flosses afterward to remove any debris from the cleaning
Provides a fluoride treatment
A fluoride treatment for children is essential because it:
Slows or stops the loss of minerals from tooth enamel
Strengthens weakened areas in your child’s teeth
Controls the bacteria responsible for the acid that causes cavities
Fluoride treatments are available in several forms, including a gel that is applied to your child’s teeth.
During your first visit, the dentist recommends having X-rays taken to establish a good baseline of your child’s oral health. From there, each case is different and depends on the development of your child’s teeth and amount of decay.