Do you need to schedule your child’s next dental visit? Our team at Children’s Dental Specialties can help. We offer professional dental cleanings for children during routine dental visits in our Worcester, MA, office. Our dentists want to give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles. Routine cleanings can prevent problems like dental decay and gum disease.
As with adults, we recommend that children see a dentist often for regular care twice a year for a dental cleaning. Professional teeth cleanings are one of the pediatric dentistry services we provide to the public.
Why Should You Bring Your Child to the Dentist?
Routine treatments like dental exams and cleanings are essential for patients of all ages. However, your child’s early oral development comes at a key time when the jaw, teeth, and palate develop. At regular exams, we track how your child’s mouth develops and look for bite problems, infections, and other dental problems.
Cleanings are a preventive treatment for our patients. Pediatric cleanings remove plaque, a sticky bacterial film, and tartar, a hardened calculus. Removing leftover food and bacteria from the teeth and gums reduces the risk of gum and tooth infections. Only a hygienist can remove plaque, which is difficult for patients to remove at home.
Tooth cavities are one of the most common dental problems among children. A sugary diet and poor oral hygiene can contribute to cavities or holes and pits in the teeth. In the worst cases, we must remove baby teeth if they’re too infected. For this reason, we encourage you to teach your child how to brush and floss and get tips from our dentist and hygienists.
Poor oral health habits early in life can mean more problems later in life. Visiting the dentist twice a year and encouraging healthy habits at home can help maintain your child’s dental health. We provide gentle, compassionate dental care for younger patients so they can feel comfortable.
Patient Review
Routine Pediatric Dental Cleanings in Worcester, MA
Our office wants your child’s dental visits to be as comfortable as possible. We welcome children to bring objects that make them more relaxed during their appointments. For example, blankets, toys, and even earphones with music can help distract children from the cleaning. We also welcome parents to accompany their children to the dental cleaning and examination.
Cleanings
During the comprehensive exam and cleaning, our hygienists will gently explain the process yo your child in simple terms. Our registered dental hygienists (RDH) will also ask your child about their hobbies and interests so they feel relaxed. During a dental cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will scale the teeth, removing bacterial buildup from the teeth and gums.
Then, our hygienists will brush, rinse, and polish the teeth. One of many children’s favorite parts of the process is choosing the toothpaste flavor.
Fluoride and Sealants
After the cleaning, we can provide a fluoride varnish and recommend topical fluoride to mineralize teeth and strengthen the outer tooth enamel. Fluoride helps prevent cavities in children. We ask that your child refrain from eating or drinking 30 minutes after treatment to help the fluoride penetrate the tooth enamel.
When your child’s molars grow, we will recommend sealants. Sealants are protective coatings that cover the grooves on the top of the molars. Like fluoride, sealants prevent tooth infections because they reduce bacterial buildup on the teeth.
Dental Cleanings FAQs
Do you want to know more? Our team can help. Learn more about pediatric dental cleanings in our Worcester, MA, dental office with answers to these common questions.
Is a child’s teeth cleaning the same as an adult cleaning?
Yes, a child’s teeth cleaning is very similar to an adult’s teeth cleaning. Our registered dental hygienist will gently clean your child’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Then, he or she will polish your child’s teeth to make them smooth and shiny.
One main difference is that children may also get dental sealants. Sealants are thin, protective coatings we apply to the back teeth to prevent cavities from forming. We recommend this treatment once your child’s molars grow.
When should my child receive a dental cleaning?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should come in for their first check-up after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. At this first visit, we will gently check for decay and the proper alignment of their teeth.
The first pediatric teeth cleaning will occur within the first couple of years of your child’s life. We will let you know the best timeline for your child’s needs. This timeline will depend on when your child’s first teeth grow.
How can I prepare my child for a dental cleaning?
The three most important things you can do to prepare your child for a teeth cleaning appointment are:
- Practice regular home care
- See a pediatric dentist early
- Get your child excited to see the dentist
With regular home care, your child knows that teeth are essential. Brushing and flossing at home can get your child used to an adult evaluating their teeth so it won’t feel as awkward when they first see the dentist. Seeing a pediatric dentist in Worcester as early as possible will help your child become comfortable with our dentists.
Finally, talk about going to the dentist as something fun (remember, we have cool toys to play with and prizes to give away after appointments!) instead of something to dread. Your child is more likely to be excited about their visit if you’re enthusiastic.
When you talk to your child about the dentist, avoid words like “shot” or “drill”. These words can make your child feel anxious. You can also read books about your child’s oral health or visits to the dentist. Educating your child about the dentist can answer any questions about regular visits. Knowing what will happen at regular dental visits can ease some of your child’s anxiety.
Are X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Dentists use very low levels of radiation, which are not harmful. They also use special shields to protect other parts of the body. X-rays help us see what’s happening inside your child’s teeth and jaws, so they can catch any problems early.
What can I do at home to support my child’s dental health?
Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Help them brush for two minutes each time. Show your child how to floss between their teeth daily to remove food and plaque.
Your child’s diet also impacts their dental health. Give your child snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese instead of sugary treats that can lead to cavities. Reduce their intake of sugary drinks like soda and juice. Instead, give them water and milk. Water can help wash away leftover food from the mouth, and milk contains calcium to strengthen the enamel. Remember to take your child to the dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings.
Are pediatric dental cleanings comfortable?
Yes, pediatric dental cleanings are usually comfortable for kids. Our dentists and dental hygienists are experienced in working with children and use gentle techniques to clean their teeth. We also try to make the experience fun and positive. If your child feels nervous, we will make extra efforts to ensure your child feels at ease during the cleaning.
What are the benefits of routine dental cleanings for children?
Regular dental cleanings in our Worcester, MA, dental office help prevent dental problems, improve your child’s oral health, and help kids feel comfortable in our office. First, regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that can cause cavities, to keep your child’s teeth healthy. At regular visits, we can spot any early signs of dental issues, like cavities or gum disease, before they become bigger problems.
Cleanings also offer a chance for kids to learn how to brush and floss correctly, helping them develop good dental care habits. When you bring your child to the dentist, it helps them get used to it, making them less anxious about future visits.
What can I do if my child isn’t cooperating at a dental cleaning?
First, speak in a calm and comforting voice to help ease your child’s fears. Let them know that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy. You may also bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal to make your child feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Our team can explain the tools in a fun way or let your child hold the mirror to feel more involved. If your child is anxious or uncooperative, you can ask for mild sedation, like nitrous oxide, to help them relax. We often recommend that parents schedule appointments when children are usually in a good mood and well-rested, like after a nap or in the morning.
Call Our Dental Office Today
Do you need to schedule your child’s next dental cleaning? Contact our office. You can schedule a dental appointment online or call Children’s Dental Specialties at (508) 625-5534. Please let us know if you have any questions about dental cleanings in our Worcester, MA, office. We’re here to help.