We want to offer kids of all ages a chance to enjoy good oral health and bright smiles, which means removing harmful layers of plaque and tartar regularly. In today’s blog, your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist talks about how we help clean smiles and keep issues like cavities at bay.

The Impact of Buildup

Plaque buildup occurs when harmful oral bacteria have a chance to break down the particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks you’ve consumed. In the process, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque. The buildup then weakens and erodes the smile to make cavities more likely. Plaque also inflames gum tissues to cause periodontal concerns, and is linked to bad breath and teeth stains. Over time, this hardens into tartar and cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. To protect the health and beauty of your child’s smile, you need to schedule a professional cleaning visit every six months, starting at around age two.

Dental Cleanings

With a dental cleaning, our team will enjoy an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently and thoroughly break up and remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gum line. The process only takes a few minutes and can help safeguard their smiles. We finish the procedure by polishing your child’s teeth to brighten teeth and make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the teeth in between your visits. We take steps to ensure your children are comfortable and relaxed during these visits, so they enjoy their time in the office and look forward to seeing us again in six months!

Brushing and Flossing Habits

How you care for your child’s smile at home is important too! Good oral hygiene habits can limit plaque buildup severity before we see your little one for the next cleaning. You should make sure they brush their teeth for two minutes when they wake up and then again before going to bed. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent gum irritation, and use fluoride toothpaste to protect the enamel. Every evening, your kids need to floss before they brush the second time to reach the particles a toothbrush alone cannot. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks too! These actions help protect smiles of all ages.

If you have any questions about dental cleanings for kids, then contact our team today to learn more.

Schedule Your Child’s Next Visit Today!

We want to help little smiles stay strong and healthy! Give us a call at Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock at (979)472-4498 for more information on our preventive treatments or to schedule their next appointment.