If this is your first time taking your child to the dentist, it’s okay to be nervous about it, believe it or not. This is a significant milestone in both your and your child’s journey. However, while this time can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what your child will go through during a kids’ teeth cleaning will help you keep your cool in the waiting room. It will also help save your child’s nerves.
When to Take Your Child to the Dentist
If you’re a first-time parent or new to the world of pediatric dental care, you may be wondering if now is even the right time for your child to get a dental cleaning. The answer to this question is most likely yes. When parents notice their children’s teeth, they should take them to the dentist right away.
The presence of teeth, regardless of how many there are, is the best indicator that a visit to the dentist is overdue. The sooner you begin, the better the long-term health of your child’s teeth. This is because dentists can detect early signs of tooth decay or dental deformities before they become severe.
Semi-annual dental visits can also help teach you the best oral care for your child, letting them grow up at home with proper dental care and fewer dental issues.
What to Expect During the Appointment
The most important question you’re probably wondering about your child’s teeth cleaning is what they’ll go through. If going to the pediatric dentist without any prior knowledge makes you nervous, don’t be. You’ve probably been to the dentist enough times to know what to expect.
But, if you’re still as worried as your child, remember that all of the information you need is right at your fingertips, read on.
1. Tartar and Plaque Removal
The first thing your child’s dentist will do is scrape away any plaque or tartar that has accumulated on his or her teeth. Regardless of how many teeth your child has, they will require this treatment. Because plaque is always clear, it is difficult for the untrained eye to see, making it nearly impossible for parents to control on their own.
If plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate for an extended time, they will begin to decay your child’s tooth, resulting in cavities. Special tools are used by dental assistants to carefully scrape the substance off each tooth, ensuring that they are cleaner than before. Your child’s teeth will look and feel much healthier after this harmful substance is removed.
2. Tooth Polishing
After tartar and plaque have been removed from your child’s teeth, they will receive their first tooth polish. Their teeth will be gently brushed with a rubber polishing tool and a flavored paste during this procedure. Some dental assistants will even let your child pick the flavor of the polishing paste.
This step will give their teeth a bright, white, clean, and shiny appearance for their dentist to examine.
3. Tooth Examination
During their visit, your child will receive a regular tooth examination, similar to the one you receive when you go to the dentist. The child dentist will examine your child’s teeth for tooth decay, gum inflammation, bite problems, and any other issues that may affect their teeth in the future.
If the dentist notices anything unusual or concerning about your child’s teeth, they will inform you at this time. This is also the time to address any questions or concerns you have about your child’s teeth.
4. Flouride Treatment
A quick and simple fluoride treatment is the final step in any dental exam. Fluoride helps to protect your child’s teeth from cavities by strengthening them. This treatment is similar to others you’ve had and only takes a few minutes to complete.
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