Do Children Need Professional Dental Cleanings?

Studies show that children are prone to develop cavities and gum disease because of poor dental habits. You can protect your child’s oral health through pediatric dentistry in Denver. As parents, your child’s dental health is your responsibility.  

To help keep your child’s oral health in tip-top shape, you can encourage them to brush and floss their teeth twice daily, eat a balanced diet, and take them to a pediatric dentist once every six months for professional dental cleanings. Parents often ask if children need a dental cleaning, and the answer is yes. Dental cleanings are both for children and adults.  

Why Do Children Need Professional In-Office Cleanings?

A dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is integral to preventive dental care. The process involves your dentist using special instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and other food debris on the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. Visiting the dentist is just as important as your home oral care routine.  

What Are the Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings for Children?

#1 Cavity Prevention

Cavities are common among children. They occur when bacteria in plaque release harmful acids. Prolonged exposure to these acids will cause your enamel, the outermost protective layer, to erode, forming holes and pits known as cavities.  

When left untreated, cavities can lead to infection or tooth loss. Dental cleanings can help prevent cavities from forming by removing sticky films of plaque and hardened tartar before they can destroy the teeth.  

#2 Maintain Healthy Gums

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar collect around the gum line. Redness, swelling, and bleeding will occur if tartar is not removed. The goal of brushing and flossing is to ensure that plaque doesn’t turn into tartar, but if it does, the only way to remove it is through professional dental cleanings.  

In-office dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from the gum line, where bacteria can cause inflammation and infection. By maintaining healthy gums, children can avoid the pain and discomfort associated with gum disease and preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible.

#3 Early Detection

Taking your children to the dentist allows us to identify dental problems before they turn serious. Before the cleaning process, the pediatric dentist will check your child’s teeth and gums for signs of decay and gum disease. If problems are detected, they will recommend treatment options to prevent them from worsening.  

#4 Patient Education

Besides cleaning teeth, your visit to the dentist is an opportunity for them to educate you and your children about the proper ways to brush and floss.  

Many children experience cavities and gum disease because they are not using the correct brushing and flossing techniques. When the strokes and frequency are incorrect, they won’t be able to get rid of harmful plaque and bacteria effectively.  

By seeing a dental professional regularly, children can learn how to take care of their teeth and gums properly and establish good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.

#5 Remove Tooth Stains

Dental cleanings can also help remove stains and discoloration from the teeth caused by food, drinks, and other factors. Although stains do not affect oral health, they can make children self-conscious about their smiles. Professional dental cleanings can help remove these stains, boosting children's confidence and improving their oral health.

Partner With Pediatric Dentistry in Denver

Children need regular professional dental cleanings to maintain good oral health. Central Family Dentistry offers various dental treatments customized to meet your needs. We use the most advanced dental technology to ensure every treatment is as pain-free as possible. Contact us to book a consultation.