While it’s not strictly required, it’s beneficial to gently brush and floss your kid’s teeth before they come in, so that you can get the most out of your dental cleaning. It’s also helpful to discuss the importance of clean teeth and what to expect during the visit. Avoid using words like “pain” or “shot,” and instead focus on the positive aspects of getting their teeth cleaned.
Dental Cleanings Overview
Consistently coming in for teeth cleaning helps equip your kids’ teeth with the “power” they need to keep away plaque and tartar buildup. No matter how good your brushing habits are at home, plaque will build up on your child’s teeth that only a skilled dental hygienist can remove.
Your Gainesville pediatric dentist will also take the time during the cleaning to examine your child’s mouth and look for signs of cavities or gum disease.
If you bring your child regularly from a young age for cleanings with encouraging and fun dentists like ours here at Hero Pediatric Dentistry, your child will feel more comfortable with dental care both at home and in the office.
What We Do
Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent the following:
Plaque and tartar buildup
Gum disease
Cavities
Teeth discoloration
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings for children offer numerous benefits, including:
- Prevention of cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss.
- Provide an opportunity to identify and address potential oral health issues early on, preventing more serious problems in the future.
- Regular visits help children become familiar with the dental office environment, reducing dental anxiety and promoting positive attitudes towards oral healthcare.
- These appointments allow our pediatric dentists in Gainesville to apply preventive treatments such as fluoride varnishes or dental sealants, which further protect against decay.
- They serve as an educational opportunity where we can teach children and parents effective oral hygiene techniques tailored to the child’s age and needs, fostering good habits from an early age.
What to Expect
A dental cleaning typically takes from 30 to 60 minutes, and it consists of several steps to ensure a squeaky clean mouth:
- Initial exam – Our friendly hygienists will get your child seated and comfortable before beginning with a thorough examination of their teeth and gums.
- Plaque and tartar removal – We use special instruments to scrape all the plaque and tartar from the tooth’s surface and from the gum line.
- Flossing – We’ll then floss in between all those little teeth while also teaching you/your child the best techniques to use.
- Polishing – To leave those teeth sparkling, we shine them up with our nifty polishing tool.
- Fluoride treatment – Finally, we apply a fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen and protect the teeth against cavities.
Why Kids (and Parents) Love Coming In to See Us
An Engaging, Kid-Friendly Office
With our engaging prizes and games available for kids, we bring the fun back into dentistry.
Compassionate and Gentle Care
The friendly dentists at our office love helping kids feel safe and comfortable with gentle care.
Experienced Pediatric Dentists
Our team members have undergone additional years of training specializing in children’s dental health to bring joy to kids who visit our office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bite and Early Habits
Dental cleanings are covered by most insurance providers, but reach out to us with your insurance information and we can provide more details.
Now that your kid’s teeth are coming in, they need to stay healthy with professional cleanings! Even though your child will eventually lose their baby teeth, cavities and gum disease can still create a range of problems that are tougher to deal with down the road. It’s important to start dental cleanings young to prevent chronic problems!
Generally, it’s recommended that children have their teeth cleaned every six months. However, we may need to see some children more frequently depending on their individual oral health needs.
Pediatric dental cleanings are usually painless. Our dentists and hygienists are trained to work gently and make the process as comfortable as possible for children. If your child is anxious, talk to your dentist about ways to help them feel more at ease.
Many children are nervous about dental visits. That’s why it’s important to choose a pediatric dentist in Gainesville who specializes in treating children and to prepare your child in advance by talking about the visit in a positive way.
Your Kid Deserves Amazing Teeth
Take the next step toward high-quality pediatric teeth cleaning in Gainesville.