The Dental Cleaning Experience at Bird Pediatric Dentistry
At Bird Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to make every dental cleaning a positive experience for your child. Our friendly team creates a welcoming environment, using gentle techniques to ensure your child feels comfortable during their visit.
Depending on your child’s age and needs, various types of low-dose, digital x-rays might be recommended at their cleaning appointment. If recommended, these radiographs are necessary to properly diagnose and to generate treatment options.
Topical fluoride may be recommended to aid in strengthening your child’s teeth and help prevent cavities.
We at Bird Pediatric Dentistry are big believers in prevention! We send your child home with the tools needed for success – a new toothbrush, toothpaste and floss! Often additional items are recommended and these can be purchased at our office for your convenience – MI Paste One®, MI Paste for Kids®, Plaque HD®, Sonicare® electric toothbrushes, Sonicare Power Flosser® and Zoom!® Day White whitening gel are some of the items available.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a professional cleaning procedure to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the teeth, promoting optimal oral health.
How Does a Dental Cleaning Work?
During a dental cleaning, we use specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your child’s teeth and along the gumline. This process includes scaling to remove hardened plaque and polishing to eliminate surface stains, leaving the teeth smooth and clean.
Being a children’s dentist means we work at your kid’s pace, using age-appropriate language and tools! Our goal is not only clean teeth, but to teach them the skills to become excellent dental patients to ‘fly’ thru life with a healthy smile!.
Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings for Kids at Bird Pediatric Dentistry
- Prevention of Cavities: Regular cleanings help prevent tooth decay by removing harmful plaque and bacteria.
- Healthier Gums: Cleanings reduce the risk of gum disease by keeping the gums free of infection-causing plaque and tartar.
- Early Detection: Regular visits allow the dentist to identify and address potential dental issues early, preventing toothaches or more serious problems!
- Education: Kids and teens often look towards authority figures other than parents for guidance – let us be the one to tell them the importance of brushing, flossing and avoiding sugary drinks or snacks!
How Often Should My Child Have a Dental Cleaning?
The ADA (American Dental Association), the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) and the dentists at Bird Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children have a dental cleaning at least every six months, starting at age 1 or after the eruption of the first baby tooth!