If you wonder whether regular dental cleanings are necessary for your child, the answer is yes! Professional teeth cleaning by a pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC, can promote oral health and hygiene. Let’s look at how essential regular teeth cleaning is for your little one.
Teeth cleaning involves removing plaque, tartar, and food debris from the teeth. A pediatric dentist uses special tools to clean the teeth, including areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Here are the top reasons why teeth cleanings are crucial for your child.
Prevent Cavities
Every child who has teeth is at risk of tooth decay. However, the risk is higher in children who eat foods that cause cavities or have poor oral hygiene habits. Teeth cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar, the primary causes of cavities. It also gets rid of food particles stuck between the teeth, which discourages the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Fight Gum Disease
Plaque buildup on the teeth can cause children to develop gum disease or gingivitis. Gum disease is prevalent among children who have poor oral hygiene. Luckily, regular dental cleanings can help prevent it. The procedure removes plaque from the teeth and eliminates bacteria that infect the gums. This helps keep the gums healthy and strong.
Prevent Premature Tooth Loss
Tooth decay can weaken your child’s enamel and increase the risk of premature loss of the milk teeth. Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, which leaves the teeth with inadequate support. As a result, the milk teeth can loosen and fall out before their time.
Your child should get regular dental cleanings, even if they have milk teeth. Frequent cleanings curb tooth decay and strengthen the gum line, preventing premature loss of the milk teeth.
Brighten the Teeth
Although stained and discolored teeth are considered an adult problem, they are also an issue for kids. Plaque, oral medication, and highly pigmented foods can discolor your child’s teeth.
Dental cleanings brighten the teeth by removing the existing stains. They also prevent discoloration from oral supplements your child takes daily. The bright, beautiful smile that follows can boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem.
Get Rid of Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, and gum disease can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. If your little one has bad breath, schedule a professional cleaning immediately. The cleaning procedure will eliminate the harmful oral bacteria responsible for halitosis. Your pediatric dentist will also treat tooth decay and other dental conditions that may be responsible for the problem.
How Often Should Your Child Get Their Teeth Cleaned?
There are no set rules on how often children should get their teeth cleaned. The frequency of dental cleanings varies depending on a child’s unique needs. For example, frequent cleanings and examinations may be required to maintain optimal health if a child is at risk of cavities or gum disease.
Schedule Your Child’s Teeth Cleaning in Greenville, NC
Protect your child’s oral health by scheduling frequent teeth cleanings. If you don’t have a pediatric dentist, we are accepting new patients at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Our friendly staff will make your child feel at ease throughout each procedure. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.