Regular dental visits are a critical part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Children have the highest risk of cavities in the first half of their lives. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should take your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. After this initial visit, pediatric dentists advise parents to schedule dental exams for their kids every six months.
When you schedule your child’s first dental visit with Lindner Dental Associates, it allows our dentists to get to know them and catch and treat issues early. A positive first experience can also reduce fear around future dental visits.
How Do Dentists Clean Children’s Teeth?
At Lindner Dental Associates, our board-certified pediatric dentists tailor the experience to what is comfortable for your child. Since kids are very visual, dentists and trained staff explain and demonstrate the procedure before they begin to help your child feel less anxious. The first step is a thorough dental exam that might include X-rays to check for the following:
- Cavities
- Risks of tooth decay
- Signs of trauma
- Improper teeth development
Our dentists use X-ray images to chart your child’s teeth and jaw growth and identify any possibly orthodontic issues with the development and alignment of your child’s teeth. If the dentist finds any issues or concerns, an additional appointment may be needed to treat it. If your child’s teeth are in good shape, then the next dental visit is usually scheduled 3-6 months later. This first dental cleaning includes:
- An introduction to the dentist office, review of any medical history or particular concerns, diet at home and brushing habits
- Polishing
- Gently flossing to remove plaque and food between teeth and along the gumline.
- Rinsing their mouth thoroughly.
- Applying a fluoride treatment to prevent future decay.
Our teeth cleaning process cleans every surface of all the teeth, prevents the accumulation of plaque and tartar, and protects against cavities and gum disease. We discuss oral care habits at home, including brushing, flossing and a healthy diet. We give you the knowledge and tools to manage potential issues and discuss behaviors that might affect your child’s dental health such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, jaw clenching and nail biting.
Why Choose Lindner Dental Associates for Pediatric Dental Cleaning
It is natural for your child to feel anxious about their first dental visit. To help prepare them, we talk about what to expect, how long the process will take and answer any questions they have. You can also bring their favorite stuffy or toy to help them stay calm and comfortable for a smoother appointment.
Our team comprises board-certified pediatric dentists with the knowledge and skills to provide quality care. Our welcoming and child-friendly staff have experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and children with special needs. They continue their support after the appointment by advising parents on an appropriate diet and oral hygiene tips to promote healthy teeth and gums.
Routine dental visits are important to maintain a lifelong healthy smile.
Give Your Child the Lifetime Gift of Good Oral Health
Our pediatric dentists look forward to caring for your child’s oral health from their first visit and as they grow. Contact our clinic to book a routine dental exam or cleaning or call us at (603) 624-3900.