Kids Dental Cleanings in Hurst, TX

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky coating of bacteria that naturally forms on the surfaces of our teeth. Everyone experiences plaque buildup to some degree.

How Does Plaque Harm Teeth?

When you consume foods or drinks containing fermentable carbohydrates – that is, sugary or starchy foods that break down into sugars inside the mouth – certain bacteria contained in plaque use the sugars from those foods and drinks to produce acids. These acids cause the surface of your teeth to lose minerals. Saliva naturally helps your teeth to regain those minerals, but when plaque buildup becomes excessive, your teeth start losing minerals faster than they regain them and the teeth begin to decay.

Additionally, the bacteria in the plaque can produce an inflammatory response in the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Furthermore, when plaque is not removed regularly through proper oral hygiene habits, it can eventually harden into tartar. Tartar increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and it cannot be removed with a toothbrush.

For these reasons, it is essential to remove plaque thoroughly and regularly. Excessive plaque buildup is particularly common in kids who haven't yet mastered how to properly clean their teeth. However, even with daily brushing, flossing and excellent oral hygiene habits, plaque can still be difficult to remove, which is why regular pediatric dental cleanings are important.

Benefits of Regular Professional Kid Teeth Cleanings

Regular teeth cleanings help get rid of any accumulated plaque, which is essential for keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy and strong. Professional pediatric teeth cleanings from a dentist about twice a year will reduce your toddler's risk of cavities and infections. They also give your dentist a chance to spot any problems early. For this reason, regular teeth cleanings can lead to early intervention and treatment for tooth decay and gum disease.

Starting healthy habits from a young age will help put your child on a pathway to positive lifelong dental habits.

At Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, we recognize the importance of regular professional children's dental cleanings. We encourage families to bring their children in often for thorough cleanings and polishing treatments. These appointments are also an excellent opportunity for your child to learn more about their oral health and receive guidance from a professional.

What to Expect From a Pediatric Teeth Cleaning Appointment

During the dental cleaning appointment, our team will:

• Remove dental plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) buildup.
• Polish away outside stains to make your child’s teeth smoother and whiter.
• Administer a fluoride treatment to fight cavities and keep your child’s teeth strong.
• Teach you and your child the proper oral hygiene techniques for keeping your child’s teeth in the best shape possible.

For most children, Dr. Lin recommends a professional cleaning every 6 months. However, for certain patients who are especially prone to cavities, or who have certain medical conditions, we recommend a professional cleaning every 3 months. This allows for additional antibacterial therapy for cavity prevention and evaluation of your child’s at-home dental care. At your appointment, we will work with you and your child to develop an individualized preventive care plan for a healthy smile.

Schedule Your Children's Dental Cleaning Appointment Today

Are you ready to see your child's teeth shining as brightly and looking as healthy as can be? Schedule a teeth cleaning for your kids today. Families across Hurst, Euless, Bedford, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, Keller, Southlake, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas can access the dental services their young ones need at Hurst Pediatric Dentistry.

Under the guidance of Dr. Lin, DMD, we help keep our community healthy through preventive, restorative and advanced dental care. To book an appointment at our office, give us a call at (817) 510-6400.

This article is intended to provide general information about oral health topics. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any disease or as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional who is fully aware of and familiar with the specifics of your case. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.