Know How Often Your Child Should Have Dental Cleaning

It's important to keep your child's teeth clean and healthy! Regular dental cleaning is a great way to prevent cavities and other problems. Here's what you need to know about child dental cleanings.

The Frequency

Most professionals recommend that children see a dentist for a regular oral exam once a year. However, many children will need to be seen more often, depending on their dental health. A dental cleaning can help keep your child's teeth healthy and prevent cavities.

The Routine

During a dental cleaning, the dentist will remove any plaque or tartar from your child's teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. Tartar is a hard deposit that forms on teeth when plaque is not removed. Plaque and tartar can cause cavities, gum disease, and other problems.

The dentist will also check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. The dentist may take x-rays to check for issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye. After the plaque and tartar are removed, the dentist will polish your child's teeth. This will help to remove any stains or discoloration. The dentist may also apply a fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities.

The Cost

The cost of a dental cleaning will vary depending on the dentist and your insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of a dental cleaning, but you may still be responsible for some out-of-pocket expenses. These can include deductible, coinsurance, and copayment.

The Time

A dental cleaning usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. However, the length of time may vary depending on the number of teeth that need to be cleaned and the severity of the tartar buildup.

The Preparation

There is no special preparation required for a dental cleaning. Just be sure to bring your child's insurance card and any other paperwork that the dentist may need. Be sure to brush and floss their teeth as well before the cleaning. This will help the dentist to get a better look at the teeth and to remove any plaque or tartar that may be present.

What to Expect during the Cleaning

A dental cleaning is not painful. The dentist will use a small mirror to look at all of the surfaces of your child's teeth. The dentist will also use a small scraper to remove plaque and tartar on the teeth. The dentist may also use a small brush to clean any areas of the teeth that are difficult to reach with the scraper. Sometimes, the dentist will use a small suction device to remove any plaque, tartar, or saliva from your child's mouth.

After the Cleaning

Your child may have a small amount of bleeding from the gums after the cleaning. This is normal. The bleeding should stop within a few minutes. Your child may also have some soreness in the gums after the cleaning. This is also normal. The soreness should go away within a day or two. If your child has any severe pain or bleeding, or if the soreness does not go away, call the dentist's office.

Conclusion

Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your child's oral health. Be sure to take your child for regular dental cleanings.

Some parents think their children need to be brought in for dental cleanings more frequently than they actually do. It is always best to ask your dentist how often your child should be brought in for a dental cleaning.

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