The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child should have their first dental appointment when their first tooth comes out or before their first birthday. The best way to maintain your child’s oral health and safeguard their dental future is to prevent dental problems from occurring. Therefore we offer pediatric teeth cleaning in Ashburn and South Riding. Teeth cleaning is one of the most essential components of preventative dental care because it preemptively addresses the factors contributing to cavities.
Pediatric Teeth Cleaning
Ashburn & South Riding
Nova Children’s Dentistry is a state-of-the-art pediatric dental clinic where we help children develop and maintain optimal oral hygiene habits. We provide pediatric teeth cleaning to remove accumulated plaque and tartar, minimize bacterial accumulation, and preserve your children’s oral health. We also provide dental education to inculcate healthy oral hygiene habits in children and their parents. Please schedule a consultation to discuss teeth cleaning in Ashburn and South Riding, VA.
What is the importance of pediatric teeth cleaning?
Regular teeth cleaning is necessary for everyone, but it’s especially important for children. That’s because children have a strong affinity for sweets, fruity drinks, beverages, and other types of carbohydrates. Regardless of your best brushing and flossing skills, it’s impossible to remove all the minute traces of food and beverages left in the child’s teeth.
Over time, the bacteria in the mouth consume trace amounts of foods and beverages, thereby producing acids and plaque. The plaque eventually hardens into a substance called tartar. The continued accumulation of plaque, tartar, bacteria, and acids leads to dental decay, cavities, inflammations, and other problems. Routine pediatric teeth cleaning in Ashburn and South Riding is a must for kids.
Pediatric teeth cleaning removes all the accumulated plaque, tartar, and food particles from the teeth and gums. This restores optimal oral health, preventing decays and cavities. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule regular teeth cleanings every six months. It allows you to address the early signs of decay and plaque accumulation, thereby preserving optimal oral health. Contact Nova Children’s Dentistry to learn more about pediatric teeth cleaning.
What happens during teeth cleaning?
Step 1: Examination of the teeth and gums.
The dental hygienist will examine your child’s teeth and gums using a small handheld mirror. If the hygienist identifies signs or symptoms of gum disease or dental decay, they’ll inform the pediatric dentist. The pediatric dentist will determine the correct way to proceed. If not, the hygienist will move on to the next step of teeth cleaning.
Step 2: Removal of the plaque and tartar.
A tool called a scaler is used to scrape away the months of accumulated plaque and tartar from the teeth. This step requires professional pediatric teeth cleaning in Ashburn and South Riding. Brushing and flossing can also remove the plaque, but not the tartar, making teeth cleanings necessary. Only a dental hygienist can remove all the accumulated plaque and tartar, especially if it’s in the deeper recesses of the mouth.
Step 3: Brushing the child’s teeth with gritty toothpaste.
The dental hygienist uses gritty toothpaste to brush your child’s teeth. The gritty toothpaste polishes their teeth, allowing them to smile brilliantly. The dental hygienist may use an electric toothbrush that produces a whirring sound. You can comfort your child and remind them that there’s nothing to fear.
Step 4: Flossing the child’s teeth.
The dental hygienist will carefully floss the child’s teeth, going between the teeth to remove all the smallest traces of plaque. Flossing will also reveal early signs of gingivitis if your gums bleed.
Step 5: Rinsing the child’s mouth with an antibacterial wash.
Finally, the hygienist will spray some water or antibacterial wash into the child’s mouth and ask them to rinse their mouth. This kills the bacteria and flushes away the remaining plaque, tartar, and debris, restoring optimal oral health and completing the pediatric teeth cleaning in South Riding and Ashburn.
Pediatric Teeth Cleaning FAQs
What is the recommended frequency for pediatric teeth cleanings?
Pediatric teeth cleanings are typically recommended every six months. However, the frequency may vary based on your child’s needs and the dentist’s recommendations.
How does a pediatric teeth cleaning differ from an adult teeth cleaning?
Pediatric teeth cleanings focus on age-appropriate care. They involve gentle techniques to accommodate a child’s smaller mouth and are designed to make the experience less intimidating. Pediatric dentists also emphasize education and prevention to instill good oral hygiene habits early.
What can parents do to prepare their child for their first teeth cleaning appointment?
To prepare your child for their first teeth cleaning, you can discuss the process in a positive and reassuring manner. You can inform your child about what they can expect, introduce at-home brushing routines, and bring them over for an introductory meeting with our pediatric dentist.
Can parents be present in the room during their child's teeth cleaning?
You can be present during your child’s pediatric teeth cleaning in Ashburn and South Riding, especially since it can provide comfort and support. However, some kids may be more independent and prefer to go through the cleaning on their own. Please discuss this with your dentist beforehand.
What are the potential benefits of dental sealants for children during teeth cleanings?
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. They are particularly beneficial for children as they can reduce the risk of tooth decay in these vulnerable areas. Sealants are painless, non-invasive, and can last for several years.