Whether permanent or temporary, teeth are crucial. They help with chewing food, speech, and pronunciation. During child development, temporary teeth also hold space for your future permanent teeth.
These teeth require more than brushing and flossing every day. You may also need to take them for regular dental cleanings. These act as a preventative routine that will enhance the quality of their lives. How often do children need dental cleanings? Regular dental cleanings should be done every six months, just as you would with adults.
Here are important benefits your child will receive from regular dental cleanings.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Most children are afraid to go to the dentist. They will complain of pain and discomfort from cavities and other oral issues but refuse to visit the dentist. But taking your child for regular dental cleanings will prevent them from getting oral problems. They will acquire getting dental cleanings as a welcome habit.
They will learn the importance of good oral hygiene and appreciate the benefits of brushing their teeth and flossing. Dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits are gifts you can give your child. They will continue with them as they become adults. They will also pass on these habits to their children.
Monitoring Growth and Development of Teeth
Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, making their growth and development crucial. They determine how permanent teeth will grow. Without baby teeth care, the permanent teeth may become out of place, or your child may have crooked teeth. Healthy permanent teeth rely on healthy temporary teeth.
The pediatric dentist will take images during the dental cleanings to keep track of this growth and development. They will also check your child’s jaw and gums to spot any problems early.
Early Detection of Diseases
When you take your child for dental cleanings, the dentist will check their mouth first. They do this for several reasons. Among them is to make sure your child does not have any oral diseases or orthodontic issues. If there are any problems, the dentist can deal with them early, before the problems affect the growth and development of the temporary teeth.
Prevent Plaque and Tartar Accumulation
Although you may teach your child how to brush and floss, some areas are hard to reach. These may form plaque, which develops into tartar. These increase the chances of their teeth developing cavities or getting gum disease, eventually causing them to lose their teeth.
Regular dental cleaning will ensure they deal with the hard-to-reach areas, preventing this accumulation.
Saves Cost
Regular dental cleaning will save you the cost of treating cavities and gum disease. The cost of these treatments can accumulate to more than what you need for dental cleanings. Missing teeth may also lead to issues as their permanent teeth grow. Orthodontic treatments will also cost more than regular dental cleanings.
General Health
The mouth has bacteria that are usually harmless. Regular brushing and flossing can take care of it, but dental cleanings every six months prevent their accumulation. Without proper oral hygiene and dental cleanings, the bacteria can reach levels that lead to disease.
For more information on the importance of regular dental cleanings for children, visit Boss Dental Care at our office in Corpus Christi, Texas. Call (361) 245-5400 to book an appointment today.
