Have your kids had their semi-annual teeth cleaning? If not, get them scheduled for a dental visit during their Christmas holiday!
As your kids take off from school for their winter holiday, now is the perfect time to schedule a teeth cleaning with their dentist. Before your dental health insurance benefits run out, visit an experienced dentist for kids in Little Rock to make sure your kids start the new year with a bright, healthy smile.
Why Are Regular Teeth Cleanings Important?
You might think that dentists only brush and floss your kids’ teeth, but there is much more involved in a teeth cleaning appointment. Dentists are trained to identify and treat oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, tooth fractures, misaligned teeth, and more. Dental appointments are especially important for kids, whose teeth grow and change rapidly.
Dentists recommend that kids and adults receive a checkup at least twice a year to ensure their teeth remain in good health and identify potential issues before they become serious.
What Happens Before the Teeth Cleaning?
A dental hygienist or dental assistant will guide your kid into the exam room. There, your child will be seated in a reclining exam chair with a headrest and a set of lights overhead. The dentist will prepare a napkin or bib to prevent water and toothpaste from splashing onto your child’s clothes. If needed, X-rays may be taken of your child’s teeth to check that they are aligned and growing properly. During the actual teeth cleaning and oral exam, your child’s teeth will be cleaned, flossed, and inspected for cavities and other forms of tooth decay.
The Teeth Cleaning Process
During your child’s teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist will inspect their teeth and gums using an overhead light. Note that these trained professionals are required to wash their hands and wear clean examination gloves and masks before seeing a patient, so you need not worry about your kid’s health and safety.
After the inspection, the dental hygienist will use a specialized tooth scraper to remove plaque from your child’s teeth. Without a regular Arkansas teeth cleaning, plaque can easily lead to cavities or tooth decay.
Using a precision electric toothbrush, the dental hygienist will gently scrub your child’s teeth one tooth at a time. The bristles of this toothbrush spin rapidly to clean deeply and reach areas a regular toothbrush cannot. The dental hygienist will also use a stronger cleaning agent than the toothpastes you have at home. Depending on what your insurance covers, they may also apply a fluoride treatment. A family-friendly dentist for kids in Little Rock may offer your child a choice of toothpaste and fluoride flavors.
Finally, the dental hygienist will floss your kid’s teeth to remove any remaining particles. After a final rinse and suction, your kid will be ready to go! If there were any issues, their dentist may speak with you and recommend the best course of action.
Make an appointment with your Little Rock dentist now to take advantage of your insurance benefits before they run out! As the premier dentistry practice for families in Little Rock, Arkansas Family Dental helps kids and adults achieve healthy teeth and gums all year round. Contact us if you have questions about pediatric teeth cleaning at 501.683.8886 today.
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