Professional dental cleanings are an essential part of keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright. But, as a parent, if you have your child’s first pediatric dental cleaning scheduled, you may be feeling a bit nervous—your child, too. What actually happens during these visits?
Knowledge helps to ease fears and bring a sense of comfort. So, we thought we would explain what happens during a dental cleaning so that you and your child arrive feeling confident and ready for the adventure.
Inviting, Kid-Focused Atmosphere
From the moment you step into our office, your child will be captivated by the sights and sounds. We work hard to ensure that our young patients feel comfortable and safe, which means greeting families with a warm smile and calm surroundings.
Our walls are covered in bright scenes that can draw in kids and their imaginations. What’s more, a television playing kid-friendly content acts as a distraction for little ones anxiously awaiting their turn to head back to the dental chair.
An Easy, Gentle Examination
Your child will be called back for their appointment—and you are encouraged to accompany them.
Before the cleaning, our dental team will perform an oral examination to look at the teeth, gums, jaw development, bite alignment, and any signs of decay or other dental issues. Having you alongside means we can discuss any findings or concerns with you.
Some visits will require X-rays. This is completely safe and is recommended to check for decay and monitor development beyond what the eye can see. If this is something your child needs, we will walk you through each step.
A Thorough Cleaning
Cleanings are so important for oral health. And at our office, they are intended to be safe, gentle, and very effective. Rather than lumping it all into one, here is an overview of the different parts of a cleaning so you will know what to expect.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
We diligently work to remove plaque and tartar buildup that may be found on the teeth using special child-friendly instruments. Even kids with the greatest brushing habits will have some buildup that can lead to decay if not removed. Focus is primarily along the gumline and between teeth.
Polishing
Polishing is another very important part of dental cleaning. The teeth are polished with a soft toothbrush and flavorful toothpaste. Kids especially love this part because they get to choose the flavor. The result is a clean and smooth surface that makes it tougher for plaque to stick.
Flossing
Flossing every day is a significant part of an oral hygiene routine as it removes the debris packed in between your teeth.
Unfortunately, many kids have a hard time with this step as it can be a bit tricky for little hands. A cleaning visit is the perfect time to talk about tips and learn the right way to accomplish it.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are often optional, but are highly recommended. Fluoride, after all, is a mineral that naturally strengthens tooth enamel. When it is applied to children’s teeth after a fresh cleaning, it hardens the enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Consider it a simple way to prevent cavities.
An Overall Positive Experience
Cleaning appointments present you with an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s oral health and dental development. Maintaining good, healthy teeth and gums is a joint effort—at home and at our office. We do everything we can to ensure an overall positive experience so that every six-month visit is easy and even fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a pediatric dental cleaning take?
On average, a cleaning should take between 30 to 45 minutes. It all depends on your child’s age, comfort level, and necessary treatments.
How can I help my child prepare for the first cleaning appointment?
Remain positive in your words and actions, and always avoid using any negative words to describe the experience. Children mimic your behavior—if you are nervous, they will be too. Arriving early is always a good idea, so the experience isn’t rushed.
At Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry, we commit to providing compassionate, kid-centered care for our young patients. Our dental visits should be enjoyable and stress-free. If it is time for your child’s visit, contact us today to schedule the appointment.