A pediatric dental cleaning service is necessary for taking care of your child’s teeth. It’s vital to know what to expect during this type of appointment so that you can be prepared and ensure that your child has a positive experience.
This blog post will discuss the three things typically done during a pediatric dental cleaning service, from flossing to basic oral hygiene.
1) Flossing
It is reported that more than half of children between six and eight years of age have a cavity in one of their (primary) teeth. It shows the importance of flossing from an early age. Flossing should be introduced as part of the daily routine to ensure basic oral hygiene for your child.
Here’s how the process works:
The dentist or hygienist will wrap a long piece of floss around each middle finger, leaving about two inches of floss between them.
Gently insert the floss between each tooth, using a back-and-forth motion. Curve it into a C shape against one tooth when the floss reaches the gum line. Slide the floss up and down, keeping it in contact with the tooth surface and gum line. Floss under the gum line as well.
Use a clean part of floss for each tooth. Then, repeat this process on the rest of your child’s teeth.
2) Removal of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque is the sticky part that is constantly forming on your teeth. It can harden and become tartar (calculus) if plaque is not removed. Tartar is more challenging to remove than plaque and can cause gum disease if not treated.
During a professional cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
You can expect your hygienist to:
– Use a small mirror to examine the teeth and gums.
– Use a scaler or an ultrasonic device to remove tartar from the teeth (this may cause a ticking sound).
– Floss and polish the teeth.
After the teeth have been flossed and polished, you will be given a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from decay. A fluoride treatment usually takes about one minute.
You may also be given a home care kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to help you maintain good oral hygiene.
3) Check for Cavities and Other Dental Problems
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in children. Therefore, the dentists will check for any signs of cavities and other dental problems during your child’s cleaning.
It is important to analyze cavities early to be treated before they become a more serious problem.
During your child’s cleaning, dentists will:
– Check for gum disease.
– Look at the biting surfaces of the teeth for any signs of tooth decay.
– Examine the tongue, throat, and inside of the cheeks for anything unusual.
– Take X-rays if necessary to check for cavities or other problems.
After the cleaning, they will go over home care instructions with you. It is a good time to ask questions about caring for your child’s teeth.
Conclusion
You can expect a few things during your child’s pediatric dental cleaning service, from flossing to basic oral hygiene. With an expert, you can make sure that your child’s teeth are healthy and clean.
