Children need dental treatment just as often as adults do. Here at Longmont Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Tim Nichols and Dr. Jenna Milot aim to make their patients as actively involved in their oral care routine as possible. To ensure that your child's teeth develop correctly and free of disease and decay, it's significant to set them up with professional teeth cleanings at a young age. This form of preventive dentistry goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy mouth for life. Read on to learn more about the advantages of regular cleanings.
Why Teeth Cleanings Are Important
Teeth cleanings have a significant impact on your child's oral and overall health. Their gums serve as the foundation for baby teeth, and a permanent set around the age of six or seven-years-old replaces these temporary teeth. The gums must remain healthy during this time to ensure that the stages of natural development run smoothly. Children are remarkably cavity-prone, and if a cavity is left untreated, it can worsen and lead to further complications. Teeth cleanings reduce the risk of decay and can also help:
- Diagnose dental problems with x-rays
- Keep teeth healthy and strong
- Motivate patients to brush and floss
- Avoid extensive procedures in the future
- Freshen breath and maintain a bright smile
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning
When children visit our Longmont, CO, dental office for their annual teeth cleanings, they most look forward to the fun stuff waiting in the toy box when the process is complete. But before they receive an award, Dr. Nichols or Dr. Milot will conduct a physical assessment of the teeth and gums, before removing plaque and tartar with specialized tools. We understand that children may have some reservations about this part, so we will confirm that they are content before, during, and after the procedure. Afterward, the doctor applies toothpaste to make teeth tartar-free. Lastly, expert flossing will commence before they jump out of the chair.
When Your Child Should See a Dentist
Children should start receiving teeth cleanings and regular dental treatment as early as one-year-old, or within six months of the first tooth eruption. In the meantime, as a general precaution, you can keep their gums healthy at home by washing away milk, juices, or formula with a moist, damp cloth, after each feeding. At Longmont Pediatric Dentistry, we pride ourselves on clear communication and dedication to make each visit comfortable, informative, and optimistic for the parent as well as the patient.
Time for an Appointment? Give Us a Call
To schedule an appointment at Longmont Pediatric Dentistry, please dial (303) 776-1194 today