DENTISTRY FOR KIDS

The Importance of a Pediatric Dental Cleaning

A pediatric dental cleaning is a proactive measure to promote excellent oral health. Pediatric dentists advise parents to schedule routine dental checkups for their children, preferably once every six months.

These routine visits allow the dentist to monitor different aspects of your child’s oral health. The dentist also gets to chart the growth and development of the child’s mouth, allowing them to catch oral health problems in their earliest
stages should they occur.

What to expect from a pediatric dental cleaning

Dental cleaning is the third and final step of a routine dental checkup. The first is a thorough dental exam that may or may not include dental x-rays. If the dentist finds any dental problems at this stage, they will recommend a corrective procedure. If the child’s teeth are in good shape, the dentist will:

Scrub their teeth, using mild but gritty toothpaste and a gentle toothbrush or soft cloth
Gently floss between the teeth
Rinse the teeth
Apply sealant or fluoride to protect their teeth

Pediatric dentists will take every possible measure to make the procedure a calm and stress-free process.

Benefits of pediatric dental cleaning

1. The dentist gets to evaluate the oral habits of the child and caregiver

2. The dentist gets to monitor the growth and development of the child’s mouth

3. Dental cleaning prevents plaque and tartar accumulation

4. Routine dental cleaning comes with cost savings

Why Should My Kids See Open Late Dentistry for Their First Visit?

A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Our hospitality will put as big of a smile on your face as your finished orthodontic result.

From the moment you start the process, a friendly Celina face will always be there to answer your questions about treatment and guide you through the process of transforming your smile.

PEDIATRIC DENTAL CLEANING F.A.Q.'s

When should a child begin going to the dentist?

For routine care, children can begin going to the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts, but should begin going no later than their first birthday. Parents who have concerns about anything related to their child's mouth are welcome to see a pediatric dentist at any age.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

We generally recommend scheduling a checkup every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.

Why is it important to take care of baby teeth?

Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Early loss of primary teeth can increase the likelihood of requiring braces when secondary (adult) teeth start coming in. Baby teeth that get cavities can cause pain and infection long before they will be coming out on their own (The second baby molars are not normally lost until a child is 12 years old!). If these cavities are left untreated, the infection can actually spread through the rest of the body potentially leading to life-threatening infections. Any type of treatment of cavities is never as perfect or ideal as the natural tooth, and many children can have difficulty tolerating dental procedures. While dentists are trained in treating these dental problems, the best solution is to take care of baby teeth and prevent decay from the beginning. The goal of early visits to a pediatric dentist is aimed at prevention for these very reasons.

My kid loves candy. What can I do to protect his teeth?

For dental health and overall health, candy and other "junk food" should be considered a treat and not a regular part of your child’s diet. However, some types of candy can be more harmful to teeth. The longer the sugar from the candy sticks to your teeth, the more damage it does. Candy that is extremely sticky, such as taffy or caramel, is particularly bad for teeth. Try to pick candy like chocolate that melts away and does not not linger on the teeth as long. Avoiding tacky candies is also important to prevent pulling sealants, crowns, or fillings off of teeth as well. If candy is consumed, try to brush your child’s teeth as soon afterwards as possible to prevent sugar from being on the teeth for as long.