In this blog post, we’ll discuss why dental cleanings are essential for your child’s oral health and how they can benefit from them.
What are dental cleanings?
Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are routine procedures that involve removing plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Here is what Dr. Leona suggests are the best reasons for dental cleanings!
Why are dental cleanings important for children?
- Prevent cavities – Dental cleanings can help prevent cavities. Even with proper brushing and flossing, children can still develop cavities in hard-to-reach areas. During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar from those hard-to-reach areas, helping to prevent cavities.
- Maintain healthy gums – Dental cleanings can also help maintain healthy gums. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious oral health problem that can cause tooth loss and other health issues. Regular dental cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease.
- Early detection of oral health problems – Regular dental cleanings can also help detect oral health problems early. During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist can look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Early detection can help prevent more serious problems from developing.
- Improve overall health – Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Regular dental cleanings can help maintain good oral health, which can, in turn, help improve overall health.
- Create good dental habits – Regular dental cleanings can also help create good dental habits. Children who get used to going to the dentist regularly are more likely to continue those habits into adulthood. This can lead to a lifetime of good oral health.
How often should children have dental cleanings? – Children should have a dental cleaning every six months. This allows dental professionals to remove plaque and tartar before they can cause more serious oral health problems. Some children may need more frequent cleanings, depending on their individual oral health needs.
Conclusion
Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health for children. There’s a reason we are rated as “the best pediatric dentist in Brooklyn” because we teach parents/children how to help prevent cavities and maintain healthy gums, detect oral health problems early, improve overall health, and create good dental habits. As a pediatric dentist, you play an essential role in educating parents about the importance of regular dental cleanings for their children. By emphasizing the importance of dental cleanings, you can help ensure that your young patients have a lifetime of good oral health.
