Why should your kids make the trip to see us for their teeth cleanings, if they already brush and floss (correctly), after every meal?
Because dental plaque, the sticky bacteria that builds up on your teeth, starts forming on their teeth about 4-12 hours after they brush their teeth!
Consider plaque to be the number one enemy of your kids’ mouths. It accumulates on their teeth and produces acids that attack their tooth’s enamel, causing cavities, as well as gum disease, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
Fortunately when your kids come in to have their teeth cleaned, twice a year, you’re not just helping them maintain good oral health, but also good overall health too.
How Teeth Cleanings Benefit Your Kids
- Prevent Cavities & Gum Disease- Even with daily flossing and brushing, plaque will build up on your kids' teeth, especially in those hard to reach places. Eventually it mineralizes on their teeth and forms tartar, a hard, yellow or brown deposit that tightly adheres to the teeth. Tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush, or by flossing, only by your friendly hygienist or dentist. When you don’t scrub off the plaque and tartar, it will eventually create cavities, as well as gum disease.
- It’s Good for Them - Gum disease is linked to other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Your kids' bi-annual teeth cleanings can help prevent gum disease, which improves their chances of avoiding some of these serious health issues as they become adults. As part of their teeth cleaning, we’ll also perform an oral cancer screening to keep an eye out for any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions within their mouth.
- It Removes Stains + Promotes Shiny Smiles - When your child comes in for their dental cleaning session, we’ll polish their teeth to help remove any built up stains. They're teeth will also return to their original smoothness - which will also help slow down the formation of plaque on their teeth. And your children will walk out with a nice shiny, smile that they're happy, and confident, to share.
- It Reduces Bad Breath - Even when your kids brush and floss daily, plaque will build up in those hard to reach areas. This can cause bad breath. Regular teeth cleanings can help reduce the bacteria that causes bad breath, which in turn will improve their breath.
- Helps Prevent Tooth Loss - Built up plaque leads to gum disease. When gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can damage the supporting bone in your child's jaw. This can cause their teeth to loosen and lead to losing a tooth. This risk of tooth loss, however, is significantly reduced simply by having their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. Staying on top of routine teeth cleanings now will help reduce serious dental problems from occurring as your child grows up.
A Safe, Gentle & Positive Experience
During your kids teeth cleaning, which usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, we’ll gently clean their teeth, and help make the experience as relaxing, and positive, as possible.
Are your kids over due for their dental exams & teeth cleanings? Please call us at (206) 524-1000 to schedule their appointment, or request a teeth cleaning appointment online!
P.S. COVID Safety? Don’t let a pandemic get in the way of your kids' preventative dental care. Despite the fears about COVID transmission, our infection control safety measures are proving to be effective for our patients & staff. So, you can book your kids cleanings + check-ups with confidence --> Here's How We're Keeping Everyone Safe!