Do Your Kids’ Teeth Need to Be Cleaned?

If you’re a new parent, we want you to know everything you need to know about how to get your new child off to a good start when it comes to oral health. You won’t see them for a while yet, but your infant was born with a full set of baby teeth just waiting to arrive. Before you know it, you’ll be having to consider things like cavities and fillings. Here’s what to know about getting those baby teeth cleaned to delay or eliminate those issues.

When should your child first go to a dentist?

Your child should see their dentist for the first time shortly after their first baby tooth breaks through their jaw or by the age of one year at the latest. Baby teeth arrive at different times in different kids, but most commonly begin to appear at the age of approximately six months. If your child has reached her first birthday without celebrating the arrival of her first tooth, make an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Longmont for a first checkup and assessment.

When do kids’ teeth cleanings start?

Even though your kid will probably begin seeing a dentist near you around the age of six months — but no later than around their first birthday, right? — dental cleanings won’t start right away. Your dentist will begin complete kids’ dental cleaning in Longmont once more or most of your child’s baby teeth have arrived. Pediatric dental cleaning near you typically begins between the ages of 12 and 36 months.

Why is it important to clean kids’ teeth?

Making sure your kids get an early dental cleaning near you is important to ensuring the health of her baby teeth, the health of the gums that will support those teeth, and the healthy development of her future permanent adult teeth. Here are six reasons that having your kid’s teeth cleaned by a dentist in Longmont is important to your child’s health and effective dental care:

• Keeping those teeth clean helps to keep her gums clean to support those teeth as they grow

• Clean teeth are far less likely to develop tooth decay and cavities that will require fillings

• It is easier to identify potential dental issues with x-rays if your child’s teeth are clean

• Regularly having your child’s teeth cleaned by a dentist near you will keep your child’s teeth strong

• Your child will have fresher breath and a brighter smile

• Your child will become accustomed to receiving care and treatment from her dentist and their staff

What happens?

Cleaning your child’s teeth involves the following steps:

• Your dentist and their staff will ask you a series of questions about your child’s personality, comfort level and experience with dentists and any symptoms she may have been experiencing at home

• Before any cleaning begins, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums, and the alignment of her bite

• A hygienist with special training in caring for kids’ teeth will remove plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth using specialized tools designed just for kids

• Your dentist’s staff will teach you and your children the best practices when it comes to brushing and flossing at home to keep her teeth clean and healthy between dental appointments

• At an appropriate age, your dentist will recommend that your child also receives fluoride treatment to keep her teeth strong as they develop

Dental cleanings are also the ideal opportunity to ask any questions about your child’s oral development, including the consequences of natural but potentially harmful habits like prolonged thumb sucking, bottle-feeding at night, etc. Your dentist will also encourage you to consult with an orthodontist if there are any signs of potential developmental issues affecting your child’s teeth and jaws.